Builders get advice on staying safe in the sun

Hundreds of construction workers across Exeter are being encouraged to cover up and slap on the sun cream as part of a national sun safety campaign from Taylor Wimpey.

Sun awareness posters have been put up on developments across the region to highlight the dangers of working in the sun without protection. Taylor Wimpey has also linked up with on-line retailer thesuncareshop.com to offer discounted sun cream for all its employees and contractors working on site.

The initiative comes on the back of research which revealed that two thirds of builders never wear sun cream when in the UK because we think cloud cover will protect us. Of those who did use sunscreen, one in three admitted applying it only once they felt their skin burning – after the damage has already been done.*

The sun safety posters and advice cards appear on all of Taylor Wimpey’s 300-plus developments across the country in support of the Home Builders Federation Sun Awareness campaign.

Builders and others working outdoors are offered the following advice:

1.    Keep your top on
2.    Keep your hard hat on
3.    Stay in the shade whenever possible and during breaks
4.    Use a sunscreen of at least SPF30
5.    Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
6.    Tell your doctor about any new or changing moles

Edward Woods, Taylor Wimpey’s Director of Health, Safety and the Environment, said: “We want all of our people, whether employees or sub-contractors to go home at the end of the day safe and healthy. Summer seems to finally be here so it’s particularly important that people working outside take sensible precautions. The purpose of this campaign is to get people thinking about sun safety and provide advice in the form of simple steps that they can take to protect themselves.”

Site manager Kai Lacey (pictured left with Rob Lawrence) said: “This is a really good idea. To be honest, I think we all know we should put sun cream on when we’re working outside, but we either don’t think about it or don’t have time. The posters will be a good reminder and the discounted sun cream is an added bonus!”

Taylor Wimpey is currently building new homes across Exeter. For more information call 01392 367267 or visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk