Members share personal experiences from on and off site to raise awareness of real-life issues affecting people working in the industry
For those who work outside, it’s always a good time to remind everyone about the risks of skin damage from the sun.
According to the Irish Cancer Society, skin cancer is most common in Ireland with over 13,000 new cases diagnosed every year. The national cancer register expects that number to double by 2040.
It is important for employers to remind workers to keep covered up while working outdoors, especially during the summer, and to use wide brimmed hats and short sleeved shirts.
Workers should be encouraged to check their skin regularly for any unusual moles or skin changes. Employers should display posters encouraging workers to avail of water points on sites.
A simple Sun Smart code is to:
- Keep your hat and shirt on, cover up with your shirt and collar with a wide brimmed hat
- Wear shades and stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm from May to September
- Make sure sunglasses are 100 per cent UV protected and most of all make sure to wear sunscreen
Even though Ireland is not a country to have daily sunshine, workers can still get caught out with sun damage.
If you have a Safety Moment you’d like to share contact The CIF team.
Help is always at hand
Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity – The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, supported by the CIF, offers a FREE 24/7 confidential employee assistance helpline and app for everyone in the Irish construction industry. The Helpline can be called anytime on 1800 939 122, and the app ‘Construction Industry Helpline’ can be downloaded for free from Apple and Google Play app store.
Build Health – ‘Build Health’ is a joint initiative between the CIF, Laya Healthcare and Spectrum Life that can support both employers and employees. See www.wellbeing.spectrum.life/cif/ for more
Construction Workers’ Sick Pay Trust – The trust is committed to the promotion of better health, including mental health and wellbeing for all workers in the construction sector. For information on how to claim, please visit www.cwspt.ie or email [email protected] or call 01 4977663.
50808 – The Health Services Executive offers a text-based mental health service. A free 24/7 text service providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through mental health or emotional crisis. For free 24/7 support in a crisis, free text ‘HELLO’ to 50808.
Pieta House – To speak with a therapist any time, day, or night, freephone 1800 247 247 or text ‘HELP’ to 51444.
Aware – Freephone Aware’s Support Line is available Monday to Sunday from 10am – 10pm on 1800 80 48 48 or email: [email protected]
Samaritans – If you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans can provide one-to-one help 24-hours per day. Freephone 116 123 or email: [email protected]
