Skin cancer risk faced by public service workers to be highlighted

The Institution’s Public Services group has arranged the event to look at ways in which people working within the sector can be protected from the sun’s potentially harmful rays.

It is being run in support of IOSH’s No Time to Lose campaign, which aims to get the causes of occupational cancer more widely understood and help businesses  take action.

The second part of the campaign is focusing on work-related skin cancer, with figures showing that five people a week in the UK are told they have skin cancer which can be traced back to them working outside unprotected from the sun’s rays. Sixty people will die every year from occupational skin cancer in the UK.

The event, called Skin cancer and work – reducing the risks, will include presentations from the Royal Mail Group, on how it protects its staff, and Kent County Council, on how it supports those living with cancer.

Professor John Cherrie, of the Institute of Occupational Medicine, will also give a talk on research into occupational cancer. 

Steve Sumner, chair of the Public Services Group, said: “A large number of people who work in public services sector often do so outdoors, meaning that without adequate protection they face a very real risk of getting skin cancer.

“This event is aimed at raising awareness of the risks from solar radiation and providing information to help delegates understand how best they can manage those risks. Working with your staff to put in place sensible precautions for outdoor work will help ensure they are protected.”

The event is being held between 2pm and 4.30pm on Thursday 2 July in The City Centre (formerly City Marketing Suite), Guildhall Buildings, Basinghall Street, London.

To book a place call 0116 257 3197 or email bookings@iosh.co.uk

For more information about the No Time to Lose campaign, visit www.notimetolose.org.uk.