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After the scorching weather of July, employment law experts are warning small businesses that skin cancer caused by employees’ long-term exposure to the sun could become an even bigger insurance threat to businesses than asbestos.

’As with asbestos-related diseases, skin cancer can occur decades after exposure and, under the terms of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers will be liable for negligence regardless of the time lapsed,’ warns Alison Loveday, Head of Employment Law at Berg Legal, Manchester.

’With temperatures set to soar even higher during August, it is important that those employers whose staff spend significant periods of their working day outdoors think about including sun protection in their health and safety policy,’ she continues. ‘This will strengthen any defence against skin cancer claims should an existing or former employee attempt to prove negligence on their part.’

Loveday recommends:
• Advising on sun protection and encouraging workers to use a sunscreen of at least SPF15 on exposed areas of the body
• Encouraging workers to cover up at lunchtime, when the sun is at its hottest, or even rescheduling work to avoid these hours
• Advising employees to check their skin regularly for unusual lumps or moles, and to seek medical advice if they are concerned
• Urging employees to take regular breaks in the shade and to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

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