NEWS
The risk of skin cancer for those who work outside is high. According to a recent study by Imperial College London, working outdoors could lead to one death and around five new cases of melanoma skin cancer a week. The study highlighted that construction workers recorded the highest number of deaths (44%), followed by agricultural workers (23%) and public administration and defence workers, including the police and armed forces (10%).
STAY SAFE IN THE SUN Did you know that if Health & Safety Managers invest in an effective high-factor sunscreen solution and a comprehensive employee training and education programme, then 90% of all skin cancer deaths could be prevented?
Most people apply less than half of the amount of sunscreen required to provide the necessary level of protection. Two thirds of construction workers are outside for seven hours per day, so it is critical that they are sufficiently protected.
JACK OF ALL TRADES, MASTER
OF ONE Small and medium-sized businesses are booming – numerically at least. At the start of last year, there were a record 5.5million private sector businesses in the UK, employing nearly 16million people.
Yet a breakdown of these figures shows many of these businesses may have been created from post- austerity necessity rather than creative ambition. While the number of new SMEs employing staff grew by 14,000, there were six times as many operating as sole traders; with average wages falling behind inflation.
Running an SME has never been an easy option; 45% – 55% of new businesses fail in their first five years and many struggle to grow.
And Brexit throws up new complications; despite 43% of small business owners voting to leave the European Union, nearly a quarter of them now think the subsequent
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Applying effective products at the right time is crucial to minimising the risk of outdoor workers being diagnosed with skin cancer. Currently, only 59% of all construction employees working outside regularly apply sunscreen. Deb is stressing how crucial it is for all Health & Safety Managers to be aware of which solutions to choose.
For industrial workplaces, it is recommended that either Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or 50 is used. Sunscreens with a lower SPF such as SPF15 can only filter out 93% of incoming UVB rays, whereas SPF30
devaluation of the pound has hindered their business and 57% are primarily concerned about the impact of withdrawal on foreign currency and exchange rates.
Time poor and in the face of so many risks, it can be easy for small business owners to lose sight of their advantages. While they don’t have the resources of larger corporates, SMEs are not hindered by involved chains of sign-off and complicated internal bureaucracy. Small may not be easy, but it can be faster and more responsive.
Putting this advantage into practice, however, can seem like an uphill struggle for a small business owner juggling VAT, suppliers and marketing, while actually doing the day job with limited time and finite resources.
Yet the difference between SMEs that succeed and those that don’t, is being equipped to know what’s coming and having the tools to manage it. Whether it’s failing to adapt to evolving customer needs, overlooking new export markets or skimping on supplier due diligence, most failure is the result of not
and SPF50 sunscreens are able to filter out 97% and 98% respectively. Deb’s new Stokoderm Sun Protect 50 PURE is able to reduce UVB absorption into the skin by up to 50% compared with its SPF30.
Deb’s ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen solutions provide protection against UVA and UVB rays from the sun, and can also protect workers exposed to UVC rays created during industrial processes.
For a regular-sized adult, it is recommended that employees apply at least one teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm, leg, front of body, back of body and face. It should be applied at least 15 minutes before initial exposure, and reapplied every two-to-three hours.
“Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, but with Deb’s high- factor sunscreens in place at industrial workplaces across the country, employees can feel reassured that their skin is being looked after in the best way possible, without compromising their daily work,” said Paul Jakeway, Marketing Director at Deb.
www.debgroup.com
knowing how to anticipate, identify and manage risk.
Mastering the basics of practical risk management allows SMEs to deal with threats and grasp opportunities as an intrinsic part of running their businesses, rather than as a box- ticking exercise or inconvenient afterthought. Knowing what’s around the corner allows small business owners to plan strategically, using the best tools to maximise opportunities and see off threats.
By mastering the techniques and tools to manage the risks and opportunities, SME owners could add enormous value to their businesses, local communities as well as boosting UK growth.
www.iirsm.org www.tomorrowshs.com
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