11/08/2010 - Roofers warned over sun exposure
Roofers and builders are putting themselves at risk of skin cancer by failing to protect themselves adequately while working in hot sunny weather, a report has warned.
A survey by roofing and cladding specialist Marley Eternit found a third of roofers wear insufficient or no sun cream, while a quarter do not protect their arms, legs, back and neck.
The group said these workers are usually outdoors between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its hottest, which puts them at increased risk from the harmful effects of sunlight.
Sarah Hanlon from Marley Eternit said: "We urge roofers and builders to protect themselves this summer. If the air temperature is 18°C, the temperature of a typical elevated roof surface for example, exposed to direct sunlight, can easily reach 32°C."
Kimberley Carter of the British Association of Dermatologists added: "Unfortunately, by the very nature of their work, roofers and builders are at higher risk of skin cancer than many other professions, because of the amount of time spent outdoors in the sun.
"When it's hot, it's tempting to strip off to cool down. But without any fabric to protect the skin, you can easily burn, which greatly increases your chances of developing melanoma - the deadliest type of skin cancer."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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