HSE urges Outdoor Workers to be SunSmart this summer

As UV radiation rises between April and September, outdoor workers, including those in construction, agriculture, transport, fisheries, maintenance, local authorities, and water safety, face significantly increased exposure that 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’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. To support this, the NCCP is hosting a free public webinar, 'SunSmart for Outdoor Workers', on Tuesday 28th April at 12pm. 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 NCCP is encouraging employers to integrate UV safety into their occupational health strategies and to support staff in adopting SunSmart behaviours.

Dr Breeda Neville, Consultant in Public Health, HSE’s NCCP, said:

“Outdoor workers receive two to three times more UV exposure than indoor workers. This cumulative exposure significantly increases their risk of developing skin cancer over time. UV protection must be treated with the same seriousness as any other workplace hazard. Simple measures, protective clothing, sunscreen, shade and training, can dramatically reduce risk. We urge all outdoor worker organisations to embed SunSmart practices into their safety culture this summer.”

Outdoor workers can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer and sun damage with proper education and preventive measures. Workers should follow the SunSmart 5 S’s, and employers must understand their responsibility to protect their employees.”

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 11am and 3pm, 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.”

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. Information on importance of driving for work will be covered as part of the HSE’s NCCP webinar.

Register for the ‘SunSmart for Outdoor Workers’ webinar