The work done by people with occupational health jobs in the UK is hugely important and their influence extends across all sectors. One industry that is the focus of a new campaign for those with jobs in occupational health is the building industry.
Constructing Better Health (CBH), which aims to improve the health of workers in the building trade, has launched a year-long awareness-raising campaign concerning skin cancer, Personnel Today reports.
According to the NHS, non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common form of the disease and around 100,000 new cases are diagnosed in the UK every year. Because builders tend to work outdoors a lot, they may be at particular risk of contracting the medical condition unless they take preventative action.
The CBH has teamed up with skin cancer charity Skcin to drive home the message that this health problem can be a work-related issue and is therefore something that those with occupational health jobs in the industry need to take seriously.
Chief executive of the organisation Michelle Aldous claimed that employer awareness of the dangers relating to this cancer is low. She remarked: “Employers do not see skin cancer as a work-related issue, and even though protection products are available, they are not generally provided.”
Meanwhile, occupational health director at the CBH Jane Coombs added that many companies see sun protection as something that workers should take responsibility for themselves.
Adding to this, occupational medicine consultant to CBH Dr Geoff Davies noted that very few firms carry out routine skin inspections for UV exposure. He also noted that conducting successful tests can be difficult. He remarked: “Even doctors find it hard to spot malignant melanoma.”
It is hoped that with the assistance of experts, including those with jobs in occupational health, awareness of this medical problem will rise and employees will have greater protection.