HSE Webinar Targets Outdoor Workers as Skin Cancer Cases Rise Across Ireland
HSE hosts free webinar for outdoor workers on sun protection next Wednesday. Ironic timing with today's non-stop rain, but UV damage happens year-round!
The Health Service Executive will host a free webinar next week focusing on sun protection for outdoor workers, as new figures reveal skin cancer remains Ireland's most common cancer with over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually.
The "SunSmart for Outdoor Workers" webinar takes place next Wednesday, 23rd July at 12pm, targeting employees who face two to three times higher UV exposure than their indoor counterparts. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme organised the session as skin cancer diagnoses continue rising rapidly across Ireland.
Outdoor workers spend extended periods exposed to harmful UV radiation, significantly increasing their risk of developing skin cancer and sustaining eye damage. Despite common misconceptions, UV damage occurs even on cloudy, cool days when the sun's heat isn't immediately noticeable.
Dr Breeda Neville, Specialist in Public Health at the NCCP, emphasised the daily nature of the threat:
"UV damage builds up over time, so outdoor workers should use sun protection every day between April and September. Do not wait for hot and sunny days to use sun protection. UV from the sun is damaging, even on cool, cloudy days."
The campaign promotes the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's: slip on protective clothing including long sleeves and collared shirts; slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen applied 20 minutes before outdoor exposure and reapplied every two hours; slap on wide-brimmed hats or hard hats with neck flaps; seek shade particularly between 11am and 3pm when UV rays peak; and slide on wraparound sunglasses.
Patient advocate James Brown shared his personal experience to highlight the campaign's importance. The outdoor worker received a stage four melanoma diagnosis in 2019 after noticing changes to longstanding moles on his back.
James Brown warned:
"My message to anyone is to be SunSmart and protect your skin even at home as it's the same sun here as it is abroad. Contact a doctor if you notice any changes, no matter how small you think they are."
Prof Anne Marie Tobin, Consultant Dermatologist at Tallaght University Hospital, stressed the importance of regular skin monitoring:
"It is especially important for outdoor workers to check their skin regularly, as they are exposed to much more UV radiation from the sun than people who work indoors. This puts them at a higher risk of skin cancer."
The webinar features expert presentations from Dr Siobhan Rafferty on sun protection importance, Luka Bratec from the National Irish Safety Organisation offering practical workplace advice, and Paula Voiseux from Glenveagh presenting a case study on employee protection measures.
Employers bear responsibility for protecting outdoor workers, with the campaign highlighting that skin cancer remains largely preventable through proper UV protection measures. The session runs from 12pm to 1.15pm and requires advance registration.
Free registration is available at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sa5exuclS3i9wOJUZFOrsQ#/registration
Additional SunSmart resources, including social media content and educational materials, are available at www.hse.ie/SunSmart.
