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Outdoor workers in Inishowen urged
to be SunSmart
09.07.19
THE Irish Cancer
Society has said that almost one in four (23%) of
skin cancer deaths in Ireland are from the
construction, outdoor and farming industry.
The Society has announced that it has teamed up with
the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to urge outdoor
workers to be extra vigilant during the summer
months and reduce their risk of skin cancer.
Announcing the partnership, Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer
Prevention Manager with the Irish Cancer Society
said, “These figures from the CSO show that in 2016,
we had over 60 deaths in Ireland which were related
to sun exposure at work. That is more than one death
a week. The dangers of skin cancer in these
industries have often been neglected, because the
risk of accidental death and injury on the job is
considered higher and more immediate. However
long-term exposure to the invisible hazard of the
sun’s ultraviolet rays puts outdoor workers at a
high risk of skin cancer.”
“Every year in Ireland, it is estimated that almost
12,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer, and
figures show that more men than women were
diagnosed. Getting repeated sunburn throughout life
increases the risk of skin cancer. Half of all
adults experienced sunburn in the last year and a
third of men have experienced sunburn while working
outdoors, so we asking people to take the necessary
steps to avoid sunburn and to be SunSmart at work.” |
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More than one skin cancer death
a week is from the construction, fishing and farming
sector. For more info on skin cancer or how to be SunSmart, visit
www.cancer.ie/sunsmart . |
Congress General
Secretary Patricia King added, “Workers need to take
every precaution in protecting their skin while
exposed to the sun and should be supported in doing
so by their employers. We would also call on
employers to put in place robust policies to ensure
that outdoor workers, such as builders, postal
workers or fisherman are adequately protected. At a
minimum they should be following the Health & Safety
Authority guidelines. We would encourage all of our
members to ensure they are being SunSmart this
summer. It could save a life.”
For more information on skin cancer or how to be
SunSmart, visit
www.cancer.ie/sunsmart . |
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