Although we're always complaining about the weather, UV rays are always present, even on cloudy days.

The amount of time spent outside means that outdoor workers, such as roofers and bricklayers, are at greater risk of skin damage from UV rays, including premature ageing and skin cancer. In fact, as well as being the cause of 83% of skin cancer cases, research has found that UV exposure is responsible for a staggering 80% of the visible signs of ageing on the face, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Over many years, it can also lead to pigmentation, reduced skin elasticity and a degradation of skin texture. With just a 2% increase in skin damage potentially ageing a face by three years and you only have to look at the picture of the man in this article to see the impact that years of sun exposure can have.

Marley’s Top Ten Safe in the Sun Tips:

• 1. Keep a shirt or jacket on and opt for tightly woven fabrics, which help to form a barrier to the sun’s harmful rays.
  
  
• 2. Don’t leave exposed skin unprotected. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 25 and remember to reapply regularly. Make sure you also use an SPF lip balm.
  
  
• 3. Make sure you apply sun cream, even when it is cloudy - up to 80% of dangerous UV rays can pass through a cloudy sky.
  
  
• 4. Wear a hard hat at all times, preferably with a brim and flap that will cover the ears and the back of the neck.
  
  
• 5. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. In very hot working conditions, experts have found that workers on site can lose up to 1.5 litres of water in sweat every hour! Keep individual containers of cool, clean water within easy reach at all times so it is easier to stay hydrated.
  
  
• 6. Make sure rest breaks are taken in shaded areas.
  
  
• 7. Check your skin regularly for unusual spots and moles, or any changes to existing spots and moles.
  
  
• 8. Wear a pair of safety sunglasses with UV protection. Look for a UV 400 rating and check they are certified in line with EN 166 (personal eye protection) and EN 172 (sun glare filters for industrial use).
  
  
• 9. As safety sunglasses will only cover part of your face, to prevent skin cancer and ageing, make sure you also apply sunscreen to the rest of your face.
  
  
• 10. Get regular eye examinations and be vigilant – if you have prolonged patches of dry or sore skin on eyelids, or any trouble with your vision, seek medical advice as soon as possible.

After the skin, the organ most susceptible to damage from sunlight is the eye and yet, while the consequences of exposing skin to UV radiation are well known, research shows that only 3% of people associate UV rays with eye problems.

While some site workers do wear safety sunglasses or UV goggles, this isn’t consistent across the industry.  When it comes to eyes, the top priority on site is impact and dust protection because of the high risk of splinters, chips, nails and wind-blown particles.  This means that optical radiation is an easily overlooked hazard, yet the effects on site workers can range from short-term injuries to permanent vision loss. 

As well as ageing the skin around the eyes, long-term exposure to the sun's invisible ultraviolet light is a leading cause of cataracts, skin cancer around the eyes and blindness. It also causes more immediate problems, such as headaches, eye fatigue, redness, dryness, and irritation.

Marley’s tips to help site workers keep their eyes safe in the sun

• 1. Don’t ever be tempted to wear sunglasses when working on site. While they’re fine for the journey to work, leave them in the van as they won’t give your eyes the necessary protection from hazards. 
  
  
• 2. In the summer, wear a pair of safety sunglasses with UV protection.  Look for a UV 400 rating and check they are certified in line with EN 166 (personal eye protection) and EN 172 (sunglare filters for industrial use).

• 3. As safety sunglasses will only cover part of your face, to prevent skin cancer and ageing, make sure you also apply suncream.
  
  
• 4. Get regular eye examinations and be vigilant – if you have patches of dry or sore skin on eyelids that don’t go away, or any trouble with your vision, seek medical advice as soon as possible.