Deb’s UV protection range ensures outdoor workers stay safe in the sun

22 Jun 2017

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?

Deb – a leading innovator of skin care products – is excited to launch its Stokoderm® Sun Protect 50 PURE sunscreen in a lotion form. Whilst spray sunscreens are still an effective form of protection against harmful UV rays, they are likely to be applied quickly and often carelessly – therefore not offering an adequate amount of coverage.

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 .

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%).

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 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.

Deb’s Stokoderm Sun Protect 50 PURE is also both water and sweat-resistant, which means that the product can remain on the skin for a longer period of time in outdoor environments. This sunscreen also offers quick skin absorption to ensure that the dexterity with tools isn’t affected after sunscreen application.

“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,” comments Paul Jakeway, Marketing Director at Deb.

Deb is also launching a campaign of activity nationwide this summer to help generate a broad awareness of why active sun protection is so important. As part of this campaign, Deb is offering a range of resources, including toolbox presentations, brochures and awareness posters to employers and employees to provide education on the importance of sun safety in the workplace.