The number of people in the UK diagnosed with or dying from the deadliest form of skin cancer because of sun exposure at work is revealed in the findings of a new study.

Commissioned by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the research has given businesses the first full picture of the skin cancer burden on those working outdoors in industries as diverse as construction, agriculture and leisure and entertainment.

The research shows that:

It is estimated malignant melanoma kills nearly 50 people each year in the UK because of exposure to solar radiation at work, with 240 new cases being registered

As many as five people a day on average in the UK are being diagnosed with a form of skin cancer contracted at work

IOSH has found a lack of awareness of the risks of solar, or ultraviolet, radiation (UVR) in the construction industry, which has been hardest hit by the disease with two-thirds of construction workers outside for an average of nearly seven hours a day thinking they were not at risk or unsure if they were

More than half (59%) of those questioned by researchers reported having sunburn – a major contributor to skin cancer – at least once in the last year

There is a “macho culture” in some parts of the industry and misconceptions about the threat of UVR in climates like the UK’s – cloud cover does not completely protect against solar radiation.

The studies’ findings, published as part of IOSH’s No Time to Lose campaign to beat work-related cancers, brought a call for increased awareness of skin cancer risks at work and the launch by the chartered body of new guidance for employers on how to protect their workers.

Businesses are being urged to develop “sun safety strategies” that include regular updates on the UV index from weather forecasts, minimising sun exposure in the middle of the day and asking employees to wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting tops and trousers.

Using high-factor sunscreen is helpful but should not be relied on as the only barrier to the harmful rays, employers are advised.

IOSH has a clear picture for the UK now of the number of people diagnosed with or dying from skin cancer because of sun exposure at work.

It’s a terrible disease but with some simple measures we can ensure people who work outside are not exposed to the solar radiation that causes it.

Work-related skin cancer is avoidable but businesses and their employees hold the key to beating it and today we are showing them how it can be done.