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SOLAR RADIATION: THE FACTS

Facts and figures Find out more Free resources

WORKING TOGETHER TO BEAT OCCUPATIONAL CANCER

SOLAR RADIATION

WHAT IS IT?

Solar radiation is the radiant energy emitted by the sun. The

sun emits different kinds of light, some of which we can see
and others that are invisible:
- the visible light you see
- the infrared radiation you feel as heat
- the ultraviolet (UV) radiation that produces tanned skin.

Solar radiation is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the

International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World
Health Organization. It is treated as a definite cause of cancer
in humans. Ultraviolet radiation (encompassing UVA, UVB and
UVC) and UV-emitting tanning devices are also classified as
definite human carcinogens (Group 1) by IARC.

Its the UV radiation element of the sun which can lead to

premature ageing, wrinkles and skin cancer if precautions
arent taken to protect our skin when outside.

Today, the risk of getting skin cancer from sun exposure is well
known and widely understood we hear about it in the media
and we see the marketing associated with sun creams and other
products, almost universally aimed at consumers in the holiday,
sport and leisure markets. In contrast, in many industry sectors,
the risks arent acknowledged or managed properly, often
because there isnt enough awareness of the scale of the issue,
and because of the myths around how sun damage can actually
happen and risk factors associated with different climates
even misunderstandings around potential vitamin D deficiency
from lack of UV exposure. There are cultural challenges in some
industries too for example a macho culture in the face of
certain risks in some parts of the construction sector.

UV radiation is classified into three bands:

- UVA accounts for around 95 per cent of the UV radiation
reaching the earths surface. This type penetrates deeply
into the skin and is principally responsible for premature
ageing and wrinkling of the skin, as well as skin cancer
- UVB the majority of this type of UV radiation is filtered
by the ozone layer before reaching the earths surface. This
type of radiation is more damaging than UVA, affecting
outer layers of the skin and causing sunburn, as well as
premature ageing, wrinkles and ultimately skin cancer
- UVC the most dangerous type of UV radiation, but
mostly prevented from reaching the earths surface by the
ozone layer.

The reality is that the risks to ordinary holiday-makers targeted

by sun product advertising campaigns arent comparable to the
risks faced by millions of outdoor workers, who for significant
periods of the year are typically exposed to solar radiation
for hours at a time, day in, day out. We also need to bear in
mind that outdoor workers may have long term, chronic solar
radiation exposure to their head, neck and hands but with
their arms, legs and trunk exposed intermittently too.

SOLAR RADIATION

ULtraviolet
UVC
100

UVB
280

visible

infrared

UVA
315

400

700

wavelength (nm)

UV UV UV UV UV UV UV UV UV UV UV

SOLAR RADIATION

WHO IS AFFECTED?

Anyone working outside in the sun can be affected

outdoor work doesnt have to be full-time to pose a
problem.

MAIN RISK EMPLOYMENT AREAS:

agriculture and rural industries, construction, dock and
maritime industries, grounds and landscape management,
outdoor leisure, entertainment and professional sports, police
services, railroad working, refuse collection and recycling,
roadworking, telecommunications, traffic and parking
control, water and sewage treatment

PEOPLE WHO COULD BE AT RISK:

construction workers, dock and maritime workers,
farmworkers and other rural workers, glaziers, grounds and
landscape workers, outdoor-based police officers, outdoor
leisure and entertainment workers, outdoor play supervisors,
painters and decorators, postal workers, professional
outdoor-based sportspeople, railroad workers, refuse and
recycling collectors, roadworkers, roofworkers, signage and
outdoor advertising installers, telecoms engineers, traffic and
parking workers, water treatment workers

HOW DANGEROUS IS
SOLAR RADIATION IN
YOUR BUSINESS?

It depends what people involved with your

business do, and the country you operate in.
Exposure will vary according to the time of day, the time of
year, the altitude and how strong the solar radiation is in
different parts of the world. The closer to equatorial regions,
the higher the levels of solar UV. Some studies, for example
one in the UK which monitored UV levels from 1989 to
2008, suggest that solar radiation levels are getting steadily
higher year on year.
The skin type of individual workers is particularly important
have a look at the skin type table. Skin type affects how skin
reacts in the sun and how likely individuals are to develop
skin cancer. Remember that skin type is genetic; it doesnt
vary according to how tanned someone is.

01

SOLAR RADIATION

HOW?

Sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer. The simple

fact that skin has changed colour after being exposed to the
sun shows that its being damaged. Sunburn is a reaction to
over-exposure of UV radiation the top layers of skin release
chemicals that make blood vessels expand and leak fluid
causing swelling, pain and redness. Without protection from
the sun, UV radiation starts to penetrate deep into the layers
of the skin and damages skin cells, which can lead to the cell
mutations associated with cancer.
Worldwide, sun exposure is the main cause of both malignant
melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Malignant
melanoma is an aggressive form of cancer, less receptive to
treatment than non-melanoma skin cancer, and has a higher
death rate, especially if diagnosis is delayed and the cancer
has spread. Non-melanoma skin cancer, which includes basal
cell (rodent ulcers) and squamous cell carcinoma, is rarely fatal
but requires treatment and sometimes minor surgery, which
can be disfiguring, particularly on the head and neck. Cancer
Research UK suggests that people who have been diagnosed
with a non-melanoma skin cancer are nine times more likely to
get it again. Both non-melanoma skin cancer and malignant
melanoma have been shown to be associated with chronic
exposure, typically experienced by many outdoor workers,
although for malignant melanoma intermittent sun exposure
and sunburn history are considered particularly important.

THE FITZPATRICK SKIN TYPE SCALE

SKIN CANCER CASES

ARE RISING FASTER IN
THE UK THAN IN THE
REST OF EUROPE

THE FITZPATRICK SKIN TYPE SCALE

III

IV

VI

Ivory

BEIGE

LIGHT BROWN

MEDIUM BROWN

DARK BROWN

VERY DARK BROWN

Characteristics
Pale skin, light or
red hair, prone to
freckles. Burns very
easily and rarely tans

Characteristics
Fair skin, likely to
have light hair, blue
or brown eyes. Some
have dark hair but
still have a fair skin.
Usually burns but
may gradually tan

Characteristics
Light olive skin with
dark hair and brown
or green eyes. Burns
with long exposure to
the sun but generally
tans quite easily

Characteristics
Brown eyes and dark
hair. Burns with very
lengthy exposures
but always tans easily

Characteristics
Naturally brown skin,
brown eyes and dark
hair. Burns only with
excessive exposure to
the sun. Skin easily
darkens further

Characteristics
Black skin with dark
brown eyes and
black hair. Burns
only with extreme
exposure to the
sun. Skin very easily
darkens further

Sun protection
At the greatest
risk of developing
skin cancer. Needs
to protect skin,
preferably with
clothing

02

II

New research commissioned by IOSH from Nottingham

University into sun exposure in the UK construction sector
found that awareness around solar radiation risks is generally
poor two thirds of workers outside for an average of nearly
seven hours a day thought they were not at risk, or didnt know
whether they were or not. Fifty-nine per cent of construction
workers reported having sunburn at least once in the last year.
Just over 40 per cent thought there was no need to wear
sunscreen on a cloudy day. Most didnt use measures to protect
themselves against sun exposure. Both workers and managers
didnt see sun safety as an important issue mainly because of
a misperception that the UK climate doesnt pose a great risk of
skin cancer.

Sun protection
At the greatest risk
of developing skin
cancer.
Needs to
protect skin,
preferably with
clothing

Sun protection
Should protect
themselves in strong
sunshine

Sun protection
Should protect
themselves in strong
sunshine

Sun protection
Should protect
themselves when
outdoors in the
sun for a
long time

Sun protection
Should protect
themselves when
outdoors in
the sun for
a long time

SOLAR RADIATION

HOW MANY?

Worldwide, skin cancer is the most common cancer nonmelanoma skin cancer accounts for about 30 per cent of all
newly diagnosed cancers. The World Health Organization
estimates that between 2 million and 3 million non-melanoma
skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur
globally each year. In the UK, there are around 100,000 cases
of non-melanoma skin cancer registered a year, although its
estimated that about a third of cases go unrecorded because
many patients have more than one tumour and often only the
first is recorded. There is evidence that skin cancer is increasing
recent figures show a jump of more than 80 per cent in cases
of malignant melanoma of the skin for men. The incidence
rate for non-melanoma skin cancer is thought to be rising
faster in the UK than in the rest of Europe.
From an occupational perspective, its difficult to achieve
accurate estimates of people exposed to solar radiation at
work only one or two countries have estimated exposure
levels. In Germany, its been estimated that 2.5 million to 3
million outdoor workers are exposed. In Great Britain, its
estimated that 5.5 million people have been exposed to
solar radiation through their work in the service industries,
construction sector, manufacturing and agriculture.
Cancer Research UK suggests
that outdoor workers are at
ULtraviolet
higher risk from non-melanoma skin cancer (43 per cent
higher risk of basal cell carcinoma and 77 per cent higher risk
of squamous cell carcinoma).

UVC

100

UVB

280

According to new research commissioned by IOSH into sun

exposure at work in Britain, malignant melanoma (the more
serious form of skin cancer) kills nearly 50 people each year,
with 240 new cancer cases being registered. The majority
affected are men, and just under half those diagnosed with
malignant melanoma linked to occupational exposures are
under 65. These findings, from Imperial College London, are
echoed in studies from around the world, including North
America, Australia and other European countries. In addition,
at least 1,500 new cases of work-related non-melanoma
skin cancer (more treatable than malignant melanoma) are
also registered each year in Britain, with 12 deaths. Imperial
Colleges research shows that 55 per cent of work-related
non-melanoma skin cancer cases and 42 per cent of malignant
melanoma cancer cases involve construction workers other
key sectors include agriculture, public administration/defence
and land transport.

visible

infrared

UVA

315

400

700

wavelength (nm)

THE UV INDEX

UV
UV UV
UV UV UV
UV UV
UV UV UV
INDEX INDEX
INDEX INDEX INDEX
INDEX INDEX
INDEX INDEX INDEX
INDEX

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11+
LOW

Moderate

You can safely

stay outside

Take care during midday hours

and dont spend too much
time in the sun unprotected

(1,2)

(3,4,5)

HIGH
(6,7)

Seek shade during

midday hours, cover up
and wear sunscreen

VERY HIGH
(8,9,10)

Spend time in the shade

between 10am and 3pm.
Covering up and
sunscreen essential

EXTREME
(11+)

Avoid being outside

in midday hours.
Covering up and
sunscreen essential

03

SOLAR RADIATION

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Skin cancer is an avoidable disease. Tackling solar radiation

exposure is relatively easy to achieve, and doesnt have to be
costly. Start by assessing the risks of exposure:
- do any employees work regularly outside?
- are workers exposed to higher levels of solar radiation
for significant periods? Remember that even on cloudy
days there can be enough radiation to damage the skin
3040 per cent of UV rays can penetrate overcast skies,
and up to 80 per cent gets through sky half covered in
clouds. The strength of solar UV radiation isnt connected
to temperature and can bounce off reflective surfaces like
metal, water, snow and some concrete finishes
- are workers unprotected from the effects of solar radiation?
If you answer yes to these basic questions there could be a
risk of people being harmed by solar radiation and youll need
to either prevent or control the potential exposure.

SUN EXPOSURE CAUSES 99 PER CENT OF NON-MELANOMA

SKIN CANCER AND UP TO 65 PER CENT OF MALIGNANT
MELANOMA SKIN CANCER

04

Typical actions to control exposure, implemented as part of a

sun safety strategy or initiative, include:
- checking the UV index from the weather forecast, and
communicating information to relevant workers, alongside
prompts to use protective measures to minimise exposure.
Many weather forecast apps and websites include the UV
index you can also get monitoring devices that trigger
action at certain levels. Action should be taken when the
index is at three or above
- avoiding or minimising exposure to direct sunlight in the
middle part of the day 60 per cent of daily UV radiation
occurs between 10.00 and 14.00. Many advise minimising
exposure until at least 15.00. Holloways rule indicates
when UV exposure is more likely to be at a higher level
when your shadow is shorter than you are tall, the sun is
more likely to burn
- regularly swapping job tasks between workers to make sure
everyone on the team can spend some time in the shade

90 PER CENT OF
SKIN CANCER
DEATHS COULD
BE PREVENTED IF
EXPOSURE TO UV IS
CONTROLLED

SOLAR RADIATION

using heavy duty cover or shade when working outdoors

in the sun shade can cut UV exposure by 50 per cent or
more. Check protection levels with your supplier
making sure rest breaks are taken in shaded areas or
indoors siting water points in shaded areas or indoors can
help encourage breaks to be taken out of the sun
if employees are regularly driving during high UV months,
adding UV protective films or tints to plain glass vehicle
windows if theyre not laminated (lamination can filter most
UVA). Of course, on side windows, lamination, films or tints
are only effective when the windows are closed, so this
measure is less likely to be successful in vehicles without
air-conditioning
raising awareness of solar radiation issues with workers,
using toolbox talks or training sessions using a resource
like IOSHs free Sun safety in construction film will help get
the message understood and encourage outdoor workers
in any sector to take responsibility for their own health

BEFORE TREATMENT

cer
Non-melanoma skin can

wearing long-sleeved, loose-fitting tops and trousers when

working outdoors during months with high UV levels
youll need to check the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)
rating and make sure the design of the clothing fits the job
and doesnt introduce other hazards. High wicking fabrics
are designed to draw moisture away from the skin
wearing wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, head, ears
and neck or if safety helmets are worn, using those fitted
with Legionnaire-style neck flaps
wearing sunglasses with 100 per cent UV protection or
using UV-filtering safety goggles with the same level of
protection if the work means physical eye protection is
needed. Look for the UV 400 marking
using high factor sunscreen where the skin cant be
protected by other measures, for example, on the hands, face
and lips. Sunscreen should be water-resistant and have broad
spectrum protection, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of
at least 30 and a UVA rating of four or five stars. Sunscreen

AFTER TREATMENT

People diagn
osed with a
n NMSC
are nine tim
es more like
ly to get it

05

SOLAR RADIATION

should only be used alongside other protective measures

its best not to rely on sunscreen alone. Sunscreen should be
applied half an hour before exposure and reapplied at least
every couple of hours. If skin has been exposed to dusts, it
should be washed before sunscreen is reapplied, to avoid
causing dermatitis. More is better its recommended that
sunscreen should be applied very generously
encouraging workers to check their skin for changes to
moles or other changes. Detecting the early signs of skin
cancer and undergoing early treatment can save lives

You should also check whether any workers could be suffering

from photosensitivity, where eyes and skin become abnormally
sensitive to UV radiation. Photosensitivity can be caused by a
range of substances including some industrial chemicals, plants
and medication.
Research commissioned by IOSH from Nottingham University
suggests that to shield the body, arms and legs from solar
radiation its more effective to issue workers with clothing
rather than offering sunscreen and encouraging workers to
use it its difficult to reapply in dusty or dirty conditions and
tougher to make sure that work teams are using it effectively.

GETTING SUNBURN
JUST ONCE EVERY TWO
YEARS CAN TRIPLE THE
RISK OF MELANOMA

06

Sunscreen is less effective than covering up with clothing in

any case studies show that providing suncream can lead to
people taking more risks, for example relying on cream alone
rather than covering up, or forgetting to reapply it. Sunscreen
is obviously still needed to protect the face, assuming that
headgear shields the neck and ears, and of course the hands if
gloves arent worn.
Although protective equipment should usually only be used
as a last resort, in the case of solar radiation it will typically
form a significant part of your control programme. Relying
heavily on controls like protective clothing means that you may
need to concentrate on changing the way people do things.
You should explain to your employees why these actions are
necessary to protect their health if people understand why
youre making changes, theyre more likely to comply. Its
worth carrying out observational assessments to see if the
controls are working, and that people are doing what theyve
been asked to do.
If your employees have to wear protective clothing and
equipment to help cut down solar radiation exposure,
make sure it fits properly and comfortably, especially when
the temperature is rising its a common reason not to
bother using it. Talk to your supplier about getting the most
appropriate equipment for your workforce, and include
workers in the choices you make. You also need to make
sure workers wear the equipment at the right times.
After youve put new control measures in place you should
assess the risk again to see if the actions youve taken have
made a difference for example, are task rotations working in
practice, are workers following site rules on taking rest breaks
under cover?

SOLAR RADIATION

THE LAW

Youll need to check legal requirements for the

country you operate in. In the UK, there are three
pieces of legislation that can be interpreted as
applicable to sun safety.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act employers should
assess and control health and safety risks. The Management
of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, with an emphasis
on risk assessment, can similarly be interpreted in the
context of sun exposure. The Construction (Design and
Management) Regulations are also relevant here, especially
the regulation referring to outdoor work and protection
from the weather.
In the UK, while health surveillance isnt compulsory for
workers exposed to solar radiation, the Health and Safety
Executives guidance says that health surveillance is required if
these three criteria are met:
- there is an identifiable disease/adverse health effect and
evidence of a link with workplace exposure
- it is likely the disease/health effect may occur
- there are valid techniques for detecting early signs of the
disease/health effect.
In addition to formal health surveillance, you could also, for
example, encourage basic self-checks for mole or skin changes
among outdoor workers. Use our free pocket card, Check
it out, with simple tips on what to look out for, as well as
a reminder of protection measures. Given how reluctant
many men are to visit their doctor, you may also want to
consider annual skin checks by a trained health professional
as an additional way of trying to catch possible skin cancers
in the early stages. This could form part of a more general

health check-up, or fit into a health and wellbeing campaign.

Remember that health surveillance of workers alone is the least
effective strategy in terms of preventing new cases of cancer,
although it can help raise awareness of health issues and
reinforce the need for protective measures.
You should also give people who could be at risk from
exposure to solar radiation information about the possible
risks and how exposure can be cut down download or
order copies of our free leaflet, Skin deep? and posters,
reminding workers of protective measures. And you need to
instruct or train affected employees too the free IOSH Sun
safety in construction film at www.notimetolose.org.uk/
sunsafety is a good introduction, and is relevant in most
outdoor sectors. The hard-hitting short film can be used as
part of toolbox talks and induction training, and is designed to
get across the risks of over-exposure to solar radiation and
how to protect yourself at work. You can also use our My
story film, featuring a skin cancer sufferer, to bring home the
dangers of sun exposure. For a lighter approach, use our Fake
or for real mythbuster quiz.
If you need to brief your management team about the risks
from solar radiation, then use the IOSH Sun safety film to set
the scene, and hand out our briefing sheet, giving a quick
overview of the risks, and how to tackle them.
New IOSH-commissioned research into the UK
construction sector, focusing on large construction
companies, found more than 70 per cent of workers had
never had any sort of training on the risks of working in
the sun

UP TO 80 PER CENT
OF UV RAYS CAN
PENETRATE CLOUDS

07

SOLAR RADIATION

MORE INFO
-

Download IOSH-commissioned research from Imperial

College London into malignant melanoma cases caused
by solar radiation at work in Britain at www.iosh.co.uk/
skincancer
Download IOSH-commissioned research from Nottingham
University on sun safety in the UK construction industry at
www.iosh.co.uk/sunsafety
Get more information and guidance on skin cancer,
including early signs to look out for, from Cancer Research
UK at www.sunsmart.org.uk
Download a free UV exposure app giving forecasts for over
10,000 locations worldwide at www.metoffice.gov.uk/
health/healthissues/uvandsunhealth/uvapp
The Health and Safety Executive has basic guidance on
working in the sun. Download Sun protection: advice
for employers of outdoor workers at www.hse.gov.uk/
pubns/indg337.pdf, and Keep your top on at www.hse.
gov.uk/pubns/indg147.pdf
get free awareness-raising materials on skin cancer from
the British Association of Dermatologists at www.bad.org.
uk/for-the-public/sun-awareness-campaign
Get more information from guides such as at
webcommunities.hse.gov.uk/connect.ti/
OccupationalDisease/view?objectId=528389
Use sample risk assessments and other materials from skin
cancer charity Skcin at www.sunsafeworkplaces.co.uk
Look at the International Agency for Research on Cancers
overview of radiation, including solar radiation, at
monographs.iarc.fr
Get an overview of international data at occmed.
oxfordjournals.org/content/59/2/82.full.
pdf+html?sid=18cd595e-90c0-4352-a076766945650c65

9 OUT OF 10
CONSTRUCTION
WORKERS WOULD
FOLLOW SITE RULES
ABOUT SUN SAFETY
08

Read an academic review of the effects of solar

radiation on workers at www.researchgate.net/
publication/8043747_Skin_cancer_as_an_occupational_
disease_the_effect_of_ultraviolet_and_other_forms_
of_radiation
Data from clinical specialists, occupational physicians and
GPs for the UKs Health and Occupation Reporting network
found that among skilled tradesmen exposure to solar UV
was the suspected cause in all but a single reported case
of skin cancer find out more at occmed.oxfordjournals.
org/content/60/5/340.full.pdf+html?sid=4c7696157993-4b12-8355-7b303d15af76. Cases reported through
the Health and Occupation Reporting network showed that
some construction workers were at higher risk of getting
skin cancer than other workers from a similar social group
and background
Find out about Australias successful sun safety campaign at
www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/
campaigns-and-events/slip-slop-slap-seek-slide.html
Read about a sun protection project in Australia at www.
icanhop.com.au/study-QUT%20Outdoor%20workers.
html In 2010, Australia saw the first successful legal case
where a payout was awarded for skin cancer attributable to
occupational solar UV exposure
Read about awareness levels of sun protection among New
Zealand outdoor workers, and recommendations for action,
at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23385117
Download IOSHs jargon-buster and access the Ask the
experts panel at www.notimetolose.org.uk

SOLAR RADIATION

NO TIME
TO LOSE
Download IOSHs free pack on solar radiation at
www.notimetolose.org.uk. In the pack youll find:

fast facts sheets

a toolbox talk to share headline information

with workers

a link to our Sun safety film, introducing

the risks to workers, showing them how to
protect themselves and signs to look out for

a leaflet to hand out to workers, covering the

risks, and how to protect themselves

a manager briefing sheet

a pocket card to remind workers of protection

measures and skin changes to watch out for

a good practice case study outlining how

Royal Mail Group tackles solar radiation risks

a range of posters choose the one that best

suits your workplace

a link to our mythbuster quiz

a link to a My story film telling one sufferers

experience of contracting skin cancer after
being exposed to solar radiation at work
All our materials are available free as hard copies too
please contact [email protected] to find out more.

Sources: Cancer Research UK, Health and Safety Executive, Institute of Occupational Medicine, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Institution
of Occupational Safety and Health, Office for National Statistics, Dr Lesley Rushton (Imperial College London).
Technical content contributions from Paul Madgwick, Construction Health and Safety Manager and CDM Co-ordinator, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Jonathan Houdmont, Assistant Professor in Occupational Health Psychology at the University of Nottingham, and Phil Bates
CMIOSH, Senior Policy and Technical Adviser, IOSH
Reviewed by Professor John Cherrie, Heriot-Watt University and Institute of Occupational Medicine
March 2015

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