The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has launched its annual Sun Exposure Campaign to help protect outdoor workers from the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation during the summer months.
UV protection campaign begins across Ireland
Running from May to September 2026, the campaign combines national awareness initiatives with targeted workplace inspections across sectors including construction, agriculture, transport, utilities and quarrying.
The HSA is reminding employers that workers exposed to sunlight as part of their role face significantly higher levels of UV radiation than indoor staff, even during cloudy or overcast conditions.
Outdoor workers face higher skin cancer risk
According to the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, skin cancer remains the country’s most common cancer, with more than 11,000 new cases diagnosed annually.
Health experts continue to identify prolonged and unprotected exposure to UV radiation as the leading risk factor.
Outdoor workers can receive two to three times more UV exposure than indoor employees, particularly between April and September when UV levels are at their highest.
The HSA is encouraging organisations to treat sun exposure as a workplace health issue and ensure practical safety measures are introduced wherever employees spend extended periods outdoors.
Employers urged to introduce protective measures
The authority says protective measures should be implemented whenever the UV Index reaches three or above. In Ireland, this threshold is frequently exceeded during summer, especially between 11am and 3pm.
Recommended controls include providing shaded rest areas, encouraging workers to wear long sleeved clothing and hats, and supplying sunscreen for exposed skin.
The campaign also highlights the importance of staff training and awareness around recognising UV risks and preventing long term skin and eye damage.
Dr Adrienne Duff, Assistant Chief Executive, Occupational Health Division, HSA, said: “Ultraviolet exposure represents a significant occupational health risk for many outdoor workers in Ireland and is one that employers are required to manage.
“Through our Sun Exposure Campaign, the HSA is reminding employers that they have a duty to assess UV exposure risks and put practical measures in place.”
“Our inspectors will be looking for evidence that these risks are being managed effectively, including, planning the work, monitoring the UV Index and taking appropriate protective measures when it reaches three or above, including access to shade, water, protective clothing and sunscreen, and making sure workers are informed.
“By taking simple, practical steps, employers can play a vital role in protecting workers’ health now and in the future”,
Maria McEnery, Cancer Prevention Officer from the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), said: “The risk of skin cancer increases with cumulative UV radiation exposure over time.
“Outdoor workers are therefore at particular risk due to the nature of their work and the extended periods they spend outdoors, especially during the summer months when UV levels are highest.”
“The increased UV levels can lead to sunburn, eye damage, and long-term risks such as skin cancer. implementation of SunSmart measures in the workplace is a critical component in protecting outdoor workers’ long‑term health so we are calling on all organisations with outdoor workers to prioritise UV protection as part of their employee safety and wellbeing policies.
“Resources are available to assist employers, including recently published guidance for outdoor workers who are drivers”.
