News and Updates

Arco has warned that improper protection against the sun's harmful UV rays is on the rise due to a misconception about weather conditions.

What people don't realise is that UV rays are not related to temperature. UV rays can pass through light cloud, loosely woven material, side windows of vehicles and bounce off reflective surfaces.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK and one study found that approximately 86% of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

For those working outdoors, heightened exposure can be up to 10 times more impactful. On average, five workers a day get skin cancer and the disease is responsible for 60 worker deaths a year. With the right precautions, 90% of these deaths can be prevented.

Ensuring adequate UV protection is a key part of an employer 's PPE obligations and it is vital that the necessary precautions are in place to protect workers all year round, particularly when the daily UV levels reach three or above. Many organisations believe they are already implementing sufficient measures to combat the risk of UV exposure; however, many workers do not follow protocols and lack sufficient training on the risks of working outdoors.

Steps that employers can take to fulfil their duty of care include assessing the risks, the implementation of control measures by adopting the '5S Approach' (Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide and Shade) and providing on-going training and support to educate and raise awareness of UV exposure. Applying sun cream is important and should be used alongside other protective measures.

Nick Foort, Industrial Skincare Specialist at Arco, said:

"Sun safety is often overlooked by outdoor workers where other safety concerns take precedent. But the misconception that the UK climate isn't sunny enough to cause skin damage is false. Radiation from the sun's UV rays is an invisible killer and it is important that employers and workers take the risk seriously to avoid developing skin cancer."

Arco specialises is expert advice and guidance and provides downloadable information, including toolbox talks and posters, to help educate staff. The company also offers a range of SC Johnson Professional® UV protection sun creams, sun safety centre board and dispensers for on-going use and compliance.

To find out more about occupational sun exposure to help prevent new skin cancer cases from arising, click here or, to contact Arco's Industrial Skincare Specialist and find free, downloadable supporting materials, click here.

Arco welcomed James Sunderland, Member of Parliament for Bracknell, to its recently opened safety centre in the town.

Bracknell is Arco's largest dedicated safety centre and was a £2million investment by the business, which created 12 new jobs.

When the centre opened in November 2022, it represented a strategically significant move by Arco, bringing the company's expert knowledge, high-quality products and training to the south of the UK.

The visit provided an opportunity for Arco to showcase the state-of-the-art facilities and services offered at the centre, including practical learning environments, a 20-metre external tower for working at height training and a 30m long confined space labyrinth, as well as an on-site safety store, where customers can purchase products, and make use of the equipment service centre. Mr Sunderland took the opportunity to discuss important health and safety issues, including the Retained EU Law Bill and the implications this could have on UK Health and Safety Regulations.

In addition to touring the venue, Mr Sunderland also met Arco's safety experts and was given practical demonstrations of confined space training, respiratory protection, including the importance of face-fit testing, and working at height.

Jamie Sadler, Commercial Director at Arco Professional Safety Services, said:

"Arco was delighted to host Mr Sunderland during his recent visit at our safety centre in his Bracknell constituency.

"The visit allowed us to further demonstrate the expertise within our business and our deep commitment to our customers in the region and to keeping people safe at work. It also gave us the opportunity to discuss some of the most important issues facing health and safety regulations in the UK and how Arco, as experts in safety, can continue to work constructively with the Government to maintain the health and safety of UK workers, particularly those who work in hazardous environments that may cause injury, life changing diseases or fatalities."

James Sunderland MP said:

"I was really impressed by my first visit to the Arco Safety Centre in Bracknell.

"Arco has made a significant investment by constructing a bespoke safety hub in Berkshire and is already making a big difference in keeping people safe at work."

For further information about the Joined-up Safety Solutions offered at Bracknell Safety Centre, click here.

Arco is introducing its new responsible workwear range, a new line of garments that are made to last, ethically sourced and produced with a fully traceable supply chain.

Nearly 90 per cent of the 33 million workwear items supplied annually end up in landfill or are incinerated once they have finished their useful life. Arco is committed to providing more responsible solutions for safer businesses.

The responsible workwear range is designed to make it easier for customers to make informed purchase decisions, which in turn supports them to meet their sustainability and circularity objectives.

Working with responsible clothing manufacturer, Lyfcycle, each garment contains a unique QR code that allows users to trace its journey through the supply chain with the use of an app.

Made with durable fabric and reinforced features, the responsible workwear range has been developed for an extended lifespan to increase the longevity of workwear that is used in tough working conditions. It also has extended washability meaning it can withstand more washes, retaining colour stability and not shrinking.

Designing garments to be longer-lasting and more durable are not just signs of well-made clothing, they are also important sustainability credentials. By using something for longer, customers can reduce their product footprint - resulting in lower overall carbon emissions and water use.

All garments are made from Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified recycled polyester, Better Cotton TM and packaging is made using GRS-certified 100% recycled plastic. The garment supply chain is also assessed and verified for fair and ethical practices by third party social audits including the Workplace Conditions Assessment (WCA) and Accord standards while production processes are assessed on being environmentally responsible by BSCI and GRS.

The new range offers customers the opportunity for a complete uniform proposition for workers, including men's and women's fit garments in up to six different colours, with sizes ranging from XS to 5XL. The initial launch range includes t-shits, polos, sweatshirts and cargo trousers.

Andrew Tapp, Product and Procurement Manager at Arco, said:

"Responsible choices in products are increasingly important to customers - we're seeing an increase in enquiries, not only about what Arco is doing as a business, but also in the products we supply.

"We therefore identified a clear need to develop and launch a new range of more responsible garments that could support customers with their sustainability goals, but which was not possible through the current workwear market.

"Using a unique design and approach, the range offers peace of mind to customers with proven credentials whilst remaining excellent quality and competitively priced."

Jim Harbidge, Head of Sustainability at Arco, said:

"The launch of our responsible workwear range is an exciting moment for Arco and is a practical example of how, as a business, we are taking action for a safer tomorrow.

"At Arco, we believe our job is never done when it comes to sustainability and that is why we are committed to providing responsible solutions for safer businesses. This new range is one of the many steps we're taking to make more responsible choices and to help our customers do the same."

Arco's responsible workwear line is available to purchase online here