In an innovative push during Skin Cancer Awareness Month, construction workers across Oxfordshire are being equipped with tools to combat the harmful effects of the sun, courtesy of a new initiative by housebuilders Barratt and David Wilson Homes.
The companies have distributed sun strength gauge cards to their site teams, a move that underscores the growing concern about the risks of prolonged exposure to UV rays among outdoor UK workers. These portable cards, designed to fit conveniently into a wallet, change colour in response to sunlight intensity, providing a practical and immediate way for workers to beat the heat and assess UV risk levels.
This thoughtful initiative has been implemented at various construction sites, including Abbey Fields and Kings Gate in Abingdon, Brookside Meadows in Grove, and Chiltern Grange in Benson. These cards serve not only as a tool but also as a reminder to the workers of the importance of skin protection, especially in an industry where outdoor work is unavoidable.
Campbell Gregg, the managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern, emphasized the necessity of such measures. “Our site teams work in all weathers and, in the UK’s unpredictable climate, we want to ensure they’re well protected when there’s a greater risk of exposure to the sun, the heat and the UK hot weather,” he said. The initiative aims to make sun safety a routine part of the workers’ daily practices.
Highlighting the deceptive nature of UV rays, the initiative also serves to educate that these harmful rays can penetrate cloud cover and are most intense between 11am and 3pm during the summer months in the UK—times when the sun is highest in the sky.
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With Skin Cancer Awareness Month as a backdrop, this campaign not only equips workers with essential tools but also educates them on the signs of skin cancer and preventive measures. By spreading knowledge and resources, Barratt and David Wilson Homes hope to foster a culture of health and safety at work consciousness that transcends the immediate employee wellbeing environment of their construction sites.
The Workers Union says…
“This fantastic initiative represents a significant step forward in occupational health, demonstrating how proactive measures can help mitigate the risks associated with outdoor work environments. It’s vital that such innovations continue to be developed and implemented, ensuring that worker safety remains a priority in all sectors.”
