Warning for employers who fail to provide sun protection

UK employers could face legal action if they fail to protect their workers from skin damage caused by the sun warns Richard Biggs, associate at law firm Ralli.

A landmark Australian case - where workers who contracted skin cancer after long hours working outdoors in the sun sued their employers for not providing adequate sunscreen – has recently concluded. The Australian court found the employer liable for damages.

Biggs said British firms could find themselves facing action if they fail to protect the skin health of their staff.

He added: “The sun’s cancer-causing properties are well known. The risk to those working outdoors should not be ignored.

“Under health and safety law, every employer should make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the health and safety risks for employees at work and also guard against specific risks to their employees.

“Protective equipment must also be provided wherever there is a risk to health. Employers must ensure that sufficient safety information must be readily available for staff.”

Gillian Nuttall, founder of malignant melanoma charity Factor 50, said employers need to take action to protect their staff or face the financial penalty.

She added: “It’s time employers wised up and protected their employees against this obvious, ongoing danger.

“Not providing appropriate sun protection to staff is in breach of many health and safety regulations and it is easy to see how a case could be formed.

“Providing staff with sun cream to protect their skin is a simple but effective step to prevent the most common type of cancer in the UK, skin cancer, occurring.”