Did you know that in the UK, the construction sector makes up 8% of our workforce, but represents 44% of occupational melanoma deaths?

It’s a shocking statistic that Hannah Penn, Joint Managing Director of advertising agency Pablo discovered when undergoing treatment herself for melanoma. Obsessed with understanding her diagnosis, and knowing 86% of cases of skin cancer are preventable, she set out on a mission to introduce a new standard in health and safety on site. In an industry obsessed with health and safety, there is an invisible killer currently going unchecked; UV. 

The initiative she has launched, UV-U-SEE, with partners LifeJacket Skin Protection, aims to make that threat very visible. 

UV radiation: Always a threat, no matter the weather

It’s easy to assume you’re safe on overcast or cool days, but guess what? UV rays are still out there. Sunscreen isn’t just for sunny days – it’s essential all year round.

Inconsistent weather, but consistent risk

Cold or cloudy? Doesn’t matter. 95% of UV rays that reach the Earth are UVA – and they’re potent all year round. The need for protection doesn’t change based on the weather.

And the sun isn’t the only culprit. Surfaces like concrete, glass, water, or even snow can bounce UV rays right back at you, nearly doubling your exposure. You’re getting hit from above and below.

Immediate and long-term risks

Sunburn and skin damage might show up fast – tanned, red or irritated skin is the most obvious sign. But the trouble also comes from repeated and incidental exposure. Skin aging, premature wrinkles, and skin cancer are long-term risks, and it’s not just about the occasional burn. 

Outdoor workers are 2-3 times more likely to experience sunburn, directly increasing their risk of skin cancer. Five sunburns in your life doubles your risk of skin cancer. 

The UV-U-SEE solution

UV-U-SEE is a holistic skin protection system designed to make these hidden hazards, incredibly visible.

At the heart of the solution sits the ‘Higher Vis Vest’. An integrated UV-U-SEE silicon logo that sits on the traditional high vis vest, which is filled with a long lasting UV sensitive material. As the sun’s UV level intensifies, the logo changes from white to intensely red, alerting the wearer and fellow workers to apply sun cream and take precautions. It makes an invisible killer visible, reminding on-site workers that they deserve and need protection. 

Alongside the higher-vis vest sits a range of high performance skin protection products from LifeJacket Skin Protection. Heavy-duty sunscreens can be a pain to use on construction sites – dust and grime get stuck or attached to hands and skin making work difficult. They can also make you hot and sweaty which contributes to them becoming less effective, more quickly. LifeJacket is lightweight, non-greasy, absorbs quickly and endures through sweat.

The ambition of UV-U-SEE is to make it every construction worker’s right to have access to SPF skin protection, so they are truly protected from every danger onsite.

How to get involved

Skin protection is critical for long-term health, especially for those in outdoor, high-risk jobs. 

By understanding the unique challenges faced on construction sites – from unpredictable weather and grime to the need for practical reapplication and overcoming cultural stigmas – workers can implement effective strategies to safeguard themselves.

Skin cancer is on the rise, cases have tripled in the last 30 years – and it’s the construction sector and outdoor workers who have a disproportionate risk of contracting the disease by virtue of their profession. But with the right products, we can remove this risk and unnecessary diagnoses.  

We’re on a mission to drive awareness, and to get products in the hands of construction workers and employers which will save lives. 

To find out more about the UV-U-SEE vest visit uv-u-see.com, and for sunscreen dispensers, training, and skin protection products tailored for your site visit lifejacketskin.com/pages/corporate-offering.