Working safely in the sun: fwb advises on the latest outdoor essentials
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The sun can be the outdoor worker’s number one enemy. Working outside on a building site, a farm, or as a public service worker can mean employees often get more sun on their skin than is healthy, placing them at greater risk of skin cancer - one of the most common cancers in the UK. Here, fwb provides advice on protecting employees and unveils the latest innovations in sun protection.
New sun protection head wear for UK market
When it comes to protecting employees in the summer months, one of the most vulnerable body areas to consider is the back of the head and neck. Keeping them covered is vital. This summer, fwb is one of the first companies in the UK to introduce Chill-Its Hard Hat Brim with Shade. Fitting around the outside of most hard hats, this clever innovation shades the face, eyes and neck, providing sun and, most importantly, UV ray protection to the face and neck. Available in a bright orange and lime green, both colours offer excellent visibility too for added safety.
Keeping eyes safe when working in the sun
Safety of eyes is of paramount importance when working in an outdoor environment, but too much sun not only places workers at risk from developing skin cancer, but exposure to sunlight can also affect eyes in other ways. Using safety eyewear with wide wrap-around arms helps. Now available at fwb, 3M SecureFit™ Safety Spectacles provide optical class 1 lenses suitable for prolonged use, together with protection against high speed particles at low energy (45m/s) and extreme temperature conditions, -5°C and +55°C, in accordance with EN166:2001. Available in three lens options:
- Clear – Good colour recognition and excellent UV protection
- Smoke – Protection from sun glare
- Amber – Enhanced contrast in low light conditions
They also protect against UV radiation in accordance with EN170:2002, and sun glare in accordance with EN172:1994 (Smoke lens only).
Work-proof sunscreen is essential
Wearing hats and clothing provides the best protection, but sunscreen creams and lotions can provide protection for areas of skin that are not easy to shade from the sun. Look for a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 15 or more as it protects against the sun’s harmful UV-A (ageing) and UV-B (burning) rays.
Designed to meet the diverse skin care needs of employees working outdoors, fwb is now stocking Deb® Sun PROTECT SPF30 sunscreen, which is perfume-free, non-greasy and its photostable formula contains a moisturiser and is also water-resistant.
Remember to advise employees not to forget the backs of hands – a common area to forget if uncovered.
More useful sun protection advice for employers
fwb recommends considering the following additional sun protection measures:
- Incorporate sun protection advice in routine health and safety training
- Encourage workers to take their breaks in the shade, rather than in the sun
- Schedule work to minimise exposure
- Locate water points and rest areas in the shade
- Urge workers to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- Keep workers informed about the dangers of sun exposure
- Advise workers to check their skin regularly for unusual spots or moles that change size, shape or colour and to seek medical advice promptly if they find anything that causes them concern.
Advice from fwb’s knowledgeable team of experts is available for anyone with questions on the company’s extensive range of sun protection products. Visit www.fwb.co.uk/summerprotection for more details.
fwb is an established supply chain partner. A procurement expert and product distributor for mechanical engineering, civils and RMO projects, fwb operates in major market sectors including infrastructure, construction, industrial and public sector throughout the UK.