Construction workers are nine times more likely to develop skin cancer at work than other occupations, according to research carried out by the University of Manchester. The study highlighted the huge risk to builders working in direct sunlight, which is intensified after reflecting off surfaces like concrete.
Construction workers often spend large amounts of time outside, and while seeing them topless on building sites in the summer is not a rare occurrence, seeing them applying sunscreen to each other is!
“We need to send a clear message that the days of the topless builder are over. Skin cancer may take several years to develop and it is often a young person’s disease, which can devastate a young family.” Dr Henry Goodall, President of the Society of Occupational Medicine.
The study showed the benefit of employer-led working in direct sunlight training, which resulted in more workers applying sun screen, drinking more water, wearing long sleeved loose fitting tops and regularly checking their skin for changes.
What are the Warning Signs of Skin Cancer?
The ABCDE checklist can be used to help differentiate between a normal mole and a melanoma:
- Asymmetrical – melanomas have two different halves and are an irregular shape.
- Border – melanomas have a notched or ragged border.
- Colours – melanomas will be a mix of two or more colours.
- Diameter –melanomas are larger than 6mm (1/4 inch) in diameter.
- Enlargement or evolution – characteristic and size changes in moles can mean a melanoma.
It’s not only exposure to the sun’s UV rays which can cause skin cancer. Work related skin cancer or occupational skin cancer as it is sometimes known can also be caused by unsafe exposure to harmful chemicals, by-products and radiation.
Working with hazardous substances, equipment that can reach dangerously hot temperatures and sun exposure are all recipes for potential skin damage. Construction workers working in direct sunlight are exposed to these conditions regularly. In particular bricklayers, roofers, road builders and painters have frequent contact with substances than can, if used incorrectly, be dangerous.
Substances (and Related Jobs) Associated With Skin Damage
- Cement (Bricklayer, Plasterer)
- Epoxy resins (Floor Layer, Concrete repairer)
- Epoxy based adhesives & primer paint (Tiler, Painter)
- Acrylic sealants (Window Fitter)
- Coal tar (Road builder, Roofer)
Contact dermatitis also has a high incidence rate in the construction industry. Symptoms include red, swollen and sore skin, sometimes with small blisters. Contact dermatitis can affect any part of your body, however as it’s caused by exposure to an irritant it often starts with the hands and forearms. Work-related contact dermatitis can develop if the skin is affected by; chemicals, contact with water for more than two hours a day, biological agents or mechanical abrasion.
What Should You Do?
- Protect your skin by wearing gloves and other protective clothing, eg. overalls
- Replace any damaged personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Keep yourself, your PPE and your workplace as clean as possible
- Keep any cuts or abrasions on your skin covered with waterproof dressings
- Use moisturising skin creams where available - they are cheap and make a difference
Employers are responsible for ensuring their employees are given adequate training and protection to safeguard against occupational skin diseases such as contact dermatitis and work related skin cancer. Failure to do this resulting in illness or injury may make them liable for personal injury compensation.
We Can Help
If you or someone you know is suffering from a work related skin diseases as the result of your employer’s negligence then you may be entitled to make an industrial disease compensation claim. Our friendly specialist advisors can talk to you about your situation and see if you have a valid genuine compensation claim. There is no charge for this service and you are under no obligation to claim with us.
If You Have a Genuine Claim, Contact a Genuine Company
May I Claim, is a trading name of R Costings Limited and our CRM number is 25770
If you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault and suffered an injury - you can trust us to handle your claim professionally.
Call us now on 0800 756 7774 and talk to us to find out if you have a claim - or fill in our Quick Claim form (on the right of this page).
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/343908/Construction-Workers-9-Times-More-Likely-to-Develop-Skin-Cancer
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