Raising the standard for UV Protection in construction

CCS Commits to Setting a Higher Bar for UV Protection

This May, as Skin Cancer Awareness Month puts melanoma in the spotlight, the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) is stepping up to tackle an often overlooked risk: sun exposure.

Despite making up around just 8% of the UK workforce, construction workers account for a shocking 44% of occupational skin cancer cases (HSE data). With so much work taking place outdoors, prolonged UV exposure is a silent but deadly hazard.

CCS is taking action

We've committed to updating our Code of Considerate Practice to set a new standard for UV protection, making skin safety a core part of how contractors are assessed. In future, contractors must show a proactive, comprehensive approach to managing UV risks, raising the bar for the entire industry.

"Better prevention against skin cancer is a major priority for CCS," said Desiree Blamey, Head of Partnerships at CCS. "Through better education, more visible protection, and practical daily measures, we’re aiming to change the way construction thinks about UV risks."

Best practices for sun safety on site

CCS is promoting clear, practical actions every site can take:

Avoid peak sun (11am–3pm): Reschedule outdoor work when possible.
Provide shaded areas: Ensure workers have UV-safe rest spaces.
Treat UV like any other workplace hazard: Build it into H&S policies.
Supply free sunscreen (SPF 30+) and protective PPE: Wide-brimmed hats, UV-rated clothing, UV400 sunglasses.
Use UV index boards or UV-reactive tech: Help workers track exposure.
Encourage regular skin checks: Support early detection with site-wide education and communication.

Championing innovation: The UV-U-SEE System

To lead by example, CCS is backing the launch of UV-U-SEE from Pablo London—an industry-first innovation to help construction workers stay safe in the sun.

At the heart of UV-U-SEE is the "Higher-Vis Vest," featuring a UV-sensitive logo that changes colour as UV levels rise—from white to pink to red—alerting workers when it’s time to reapply sun protection. It’s partnered with LifeJacket Skin Protection’s specially formulated sun cream for use on site.

The idea was born from personal experience: Hannah Penn, Joint Managing Director of Pablo, was diagnosed with melanoma after the birth of her second child. Her mission is to transform UV safety standards in high-risk industries like construction.

"Melanoma is a silent killer," says Penn. "The construction industry is massively overrepresented in skin cancer stats. This technology has the power to change that—for construction workers and beyond."

The stats speak for themselves

Research by Pablo, the National Federation of Builders (NFB), and CCS reveals:

39% of on-site workers don't think melanoma is a workplace risk.
1 in 4 believe their employers don’t take skin cancer seriously.
51% have never received any education about skin cancer risks.

Our call to action

Protecting workers isn’t just about hard hats and harnesses. It’s about protecting them from invisible risks too.

As we mark Skin Cancer Awareness Month, CCS calls on the construction sector to take UV protection seriously and to lead by example. Together, we can set a new gold standard for worker wellbeing and make UV risk management a must, not a maybe.

Find out more about how you can get involved via our Best Practice Hub here.