As UV radiation rises between April and September, outdoor workers face "significantly increased exposure", the Health Service Executive (HSE) has warned.

This can lead to sunburn, eye damage, and long‑term risks such as skin cancer.

With over 11,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Ireland each year and numbers continuing to rise, increasing awareness about prevention is "more important than ever", the HSE said.

Prioritise UV protection

The HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) is calling on all organisations with outdoor workers to prioritise UV protection in the workplace as part of their employee safety and wellbeing policies.

Dr. Breeda Neville, consultant in public health with HSE’s NCCP, said that outdoor workers such as farmers "receive two to three times more UV exposure than indoor workers".

"This cumulative exposure significantly increases their risk of developing skin cancer over time," she said.

"Simple measures - protective clothing, sunscreen, shade and training - can dramatically reduce risk."

Neville added that outdoor workers can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer and sun damage with "proper education and preventive measures".

Outdoor workers and employers can reduce the risk of skin cancer by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s:

Slip on clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves and collared T-shirts;
Slop on sunscreen. Use SPF 30 or higher, apply 20 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours - or more often if sweating;
Slap on a wide-brimmed hat or a hard hat with a brim or neck flap;
Seek shade, especially between 11:00a.m and 3:00p.m, when UV rays are strongest. Where possible, schedule outdoor work outside these hours;
Slide on wraparound sunglasses.

Dr. Roisin Rynne, dermatology registrar, Tallaght University Hospital, said: “Occupational drivers face a higher risk of skin cancer due to repeated exposure to UV radiation, often without realising it.

"By ensuring staff are aware of this risk, providing clear education on protective behaviours, and embedding UV safety into everyday work practices, employers can make a significant difference.

"Everyone who manages or supports employees with driving duties has an important role to play in reducing skin cancer risk and meeting their health and safety responsibilities.”

Webinar

The NCCP is hosting a free public webinar, 'SunSmart for Outdoor Workers', on Tuesday, April 28, at 12:00p.m.

The event will provide practical guidance on reducing the risk of skin cancer and highlight why outdoor workers face significantly higher exposure to harmful UV radiation.

The HSE’s NCCP outdoor worker subgroup and partner organisations - the Road Safety Authority and the Health and Safety Authority - have developed a resource 'Driving for Work: Sun Safety Guidance'.

The resource will be launched at the webinar and provides tailored advice to support health and safety officers, supervisors and managers in protecting employees who drive as part of their job.