Protect Your Skin: Sun Safety Tips for Builders & Tradesmen

With two-thirds of outdoor workers experiencing sunburn each year, Ireland’s construction workforce is facing a serious but preventable health risk. Here’s how tradespeople can take sun safety seriously—rain or shine.

If you’re working outdoors, odds are you’ve been sunburned on the job at least once in the past year.

According to a recent University of Galway study, nearly two-thirds of outdoor workers—including those in construction—report getting sunburned annually.

That’s not just uncomfortable; it’s a serious health warning.

In fact, construction workers in Ireland face one of the highest occupational risks for skin cancer, with the industry accounting for nearly a quarter (23%) of the country’s skin cancer-related deaths.

Sun Safety Gaps in the Construction Industry

The study surveyed over 450 construction workers and found that while just over half use sunscreen at work, most are only applying it once a day, far below recommended guidelines. Sunscreen effectiveness declines after a few hours, especially when you’re sweating or working in hot conditions.

Even more concerning, usage plummets when the weather is cloudy or cool. But here’s the catch: up to 90% of harmful UV rays can penetrate light cloud cover. That means even on grey Irish days, your skin is still at risk.

What Builders Are Wearing (and What They’re Not)

The research also revealed that when the heat rises, protective clothing tends to come off.

Only 24% of construction workers said they never remove a long-sleeved top in the sun.

Just 15% wear overalls in warm weather. And while over half of workers wear a hat, that still leaves many without proper head and face coverage.

The Danger Is Real—and Preventable

According to Dr. Victoria Hogan, the study’s lead author, sunburn is a clear indicator of overexposure to UV radiation, and that damage adds up over time. But the risk can be significantly reduced with simple, consistent steps:

Apply sunscreen every two hours, not just once per day.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
Keep skin covered with lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.
Check your skin regularly for any unusual changes or moles.
Don’t be fooled by clouds. UV radiation doesn’t take a day off just because the sun isn’t blazing.

Time for a Culture Shift For Irish Trades

Construction workers spend an average of 25 hours outdoors each week, with some logging up to 41 hours. Yet sun safety often isn’t part of the daily routine.

The Irish Cancer Society warns that the number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer is rising sharply. By 2045, annual cases could double.

That’s a statistic our industry can help reverse—by normalising protective habits, encouraging open discussions about sun exposure, and ensuring every site has the basics: sunscreen stations, shaded break areas, and awareness training.

Keep Your Skin in the Game

The bottom line? Skin protection isn’t just about comfort—it’s about long-term health. As builders, you wear hard hats to protect your heads and boots to protect your feet. It’s time you treated your skin with the same respect.

So the next time you step onto site, ask yourself: Are you sun-safe? If not, it’s never too late to start.

Reference: Sun-related knowledge and practices in Irish construction