Skcin National Skin Cancer Charity

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is classified as a known human carcinogen, responsible for 90% of all skin cancer cases. This puts outdoor workers in one of the highest risk groups for skin cancer. The Sun Safe Workplaces national accreditation programme developed by specialist skin cancer charity SSKCIN, is dedicated to reducing that risk, improving patient outcomes through early diagnosis and assisting employers and HSRs in fulfilling their moral and legal obligations to address UV exposure in the workplace.

SKCIN are the UK’s leading skin cancer awareness charity, founded by the Clifford family in 2006 in memory of Karen Clifford (the KC in SKCIN) following her courageous battle to melanoma. Compelled to make a difference and prevent such suffering for others, SKCIN set out to fill the mammoth void that existed in the UK awareness arena - specialising in the prevention and early detection of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer through educational intervention.

Due to our specialist nature and vast experience in this arena, SKCIN are recognised as the authoritative voice on skin cancer awareness in the UK - suffice to say, if you are considering signing up to the Sun Safe Workplaces programme - you are in ‘safe’ hands.

The Sun Safe Workplaces Accreditation programme will officially launch at the Safety & Health Expo May 2023. To find out why the programme exists, what employers legal obligations are, the accreditation requirements and the specialist resources we provide - read on…

SKIN CANCER - A GROWING PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN

Skin cancer statistics are compelling and urgent action is needed to combat this major public health concern. The facts speak for themselves and should serve as a wake up call to industry, employers and HSRs responsible for the health and safety of outdoor workers…

•  Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK and worldwide.

• In the UK 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

• 1 in 36 men and 1 in 47 women in the UK will develop melanoma - the most serious, life-threatening form of skin cancer.

•  Melanoma is disproportionately high in young adults and is one of the biggest killing cancers in the 15-34 age group.

•  The Incidence of skin cancer is growing at twice the rate in men than that for women and men are 69% more likely to die from  the disease.

•  Due to the amount of time exposed to UV radiation, outdoor workers are, on average at 60% greater risk of developing skin cancer.

• On average 5 people every day (over 1,800 annually) will be diagnosed with skin cancer in Britain as a direct cause of occupational sun exposure.

• According to Cancer Research UK, outdoor workers have a 43% higher risk of basal cell carcinoma and 77% higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

• Around 90% of skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to UV radiation, making this major public health concern - almost entirely preventable!

Rates of skin cancer have quadrupled since the 1970s and as cases continue rise faster than any other cancer, now is the time to take action against a disease that is almost entirely preventable and if detected diagnosed and treated early, almost always curable.


EMPLOYERS LEGAL OBLIGATIONS

The Health and Safety at Work Act makes it clear that there is a legal duty on every employer to ensure, as far as reasonably practical, the health of their employees. It also says that employers must provide “information, instruction, training and supervision” to ensure their safety.

The Management of Health and Work Regulations also require the employer to conduct a suitable assessment of the risks to the health of their workforce. That includes the risks from UV radiation.

The law also says that an employer has to remove any risk, or if that is not possible look at other ways of preventing or reducing exposure, including, as a last result protective equipment. Where protective equipment is required this should be supplied free.

SKIN CANCER LEGAL CASES -  A WAKE UP CALL TO INDUSTRY!

Industries should take note and be warned by skin cancer judgements in Australia where verdicts are highlighting the importance of sun safety in the workplace. Outdoor workers from various industries who have developed skin cancer as a result of over exposure to UVR have been awarded significant damages, establishing that skin cancer can be a serious occupational injury. These rulings are extremely significant, putting sun protection on the agenda with other well known occupational health and safety issues.

THE SUN SAFE WORKPLACES ACCREDITATION PROGRAMME AND RESOURCES

The Sun Safe Workplaces accreditation programme provides you with access to all the tools and resources you need to implement a comprehensive sun protection programme with maximum impact on learning outcomes and minimum strain on valuable time and resources. Gaining your accreditation is an achievement to be proud of, providing clear evidence of your commitment to addressing your moral and legal obligations to ensure the health and safety of your workers and in doing your part to help tackle a major national health concern.

Workplaces that register to gain their accreditation are required to:
•  Conduct or review their current Solar UVR Risk Assessment
•  Create or review their current Sun Protection Policy
•  Provide information, instruction and training to employees
•  Reinforce key messaging with the provision of additional awareness and educational resources

To enable employers and HSRs to confidently address the accreditation criteria, we provide the following resources:

SUN SAFE WORKPLACES EMPLOYERS GUIDE

Our Employers Guide has been developed as an essential supportive resource to assist workplaces in gaining their accreditation. It’s a go-to-guide that can be referred to for information and advice to help employers understand the relationship between solar UVR and skin cancer, enabling them to confidently address every aspect of UV exposure in the workplace.

SOLAR UVR RISK ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW OF SUN PROTECTION CONTROL MEASURES

Our on-line Solar UVR Risk Assessment creation tool has been specifically developed to help workplaces identify the level of risk for their outdoor workers based on environmental, work system and hazardous factors. The assessment includes a review of sun protection control measures which enables workplaces to clarify which control measures they already have in place and identify where areas of improvement can be made to lower risk as per the hierarchy of control measures.

SUN PROTECTION POLICY

Our comprehensive on-line Sun Protection Policy creation tool to enables workplaces to easily tailor their own policy, or review their current policy to suit the needs and practicalities of their own organisation. This includes: Rationale, aims, your organisations commitment, what management is implementing, compliance and what is expected of employees.

SUN SAFE WORKPLACES EMPLOYEE TRAINING PROGRAMME

Upon registration, workplaces will be provided with access to their admin panel from which they can effectively manage all aspects of employee training with visual statistical data to provide essential overviews on many aspects of the training outcomes and that all-importance evidence of completion.

The training can be delivered in face-to-face, group sessions or undertaken by workers remotely in their own time (this is essential for educating new employees and those unable to attend group sessions).

The one hour training session consists of 3 key sections divided into a series of short videos, multiple choice questions and interactive learning to engage, educate, empower and equip their employees - covering the following key topics:

• Understanding solar UV radiation and our skin
• Skin cancer causes and risk factors
• How to reduce the risk of skin cancer
• How to perform skin examinations
• How to detect the early signs of skin cancer
• How to take action with concerns

AWARENESS AND REINFORCEMENT RESOURCES

Get prepared to make a statement!  Whether creating a display for face-to-face training sessions, safety briefings and/or creating on-site awareness - our comprehensive range of professional, supportive, educational and awareness resources will create visual impact and provide the essential reinforcement of key messaging to employees following their training.

GAINING THE SUN SAFE WORKPLACES ACCREDITATION

Once each of the steps have been completed, organisations can apply for their accreditation. The application process consists of submitting an online application form that provides SKCIN with evidence of completion and feedback relating to each of the steps of the accreditation process. Once reviewed by the team to ensure completion and review feedback the accreditation will be granted.

The accreditation should be renewed annually to maintain best practice by reviewing Risk Assessment(s), Control Measures and Sun Protection Policy, in addition to reinforcing education among existing employees and the training of new employees.

Accredited workplaces receive:
•  An accreditation certificate and logo.
•  Website and social media recognition.
•  Sample press release and promotional assets.

Accredited workplaces can:
•  Provide evidence of fulfilling legal obligations.
•  Generate positive PR internally and externally.
•  Be seen as positive role models in combatting a national public health concern.
•  Be seen as industry leaders in ensuring the health and safety of employees.

To register your interest prior to the official launch at the Safety & Health Expo in May 2023, please get in touch or visit the website to download information and fill out the contact form at: www.sunsafeworkplaces.co.uk