Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Cookies that are categorised as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Read our privacy policy here for more details.
Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Farm SafetyFarm Safety

IFA and Irish Cancer Society Encourage Farmers to Follow Sunsmart Code to Reduce Risks of Skin Cancer

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and Irish Cancer Society have joined forces as part of UK and Ireland Farm Safety Week to remind farmers and farm families of the importance of protecting their skin to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland with over 11,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year, however the disease can be prevented in nine out of ten cases.

IFA President Joe Healy said: “To reduce your risk of skin damage, organise your day so that you are in the shade when UV rays are strongest from 11am to 3pm. It is advisable to check your skin once a month for any changes and if you notice anything unusual, go to your doctor and get it checked out.”

Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager at the Irish Cancer Society said: “Farmers who spend most of their time working outdoors are at risk of skin cancer. Whether it is sunny or cloudy, it’s important to protect your skin from April to September as you cannot see or feel the UV rays which cause damage to the skin. Up to 90 per cent of UV rays can get through light cloud and it doesn’t have to be a warm and sunny day for dangerous UV rays to be present. Even on cool days UV levels can be high enough to damage skin.

The ‘Be Smart – Protect Your Skin on the Farm’ which is available online contains important advice and information for safe working practice to protect your skin; follow the SunSmart Code to reduce the risk:

  • SEEK SHADE: UV rays are at their strongest generally between 11am and 3pm, so plan you day and seek shade during these hours.
  • COVER UP: by wearing a shirt with a collar and long shorts. Also wear a hat that gives shade to your face, neck and ears.
  • WEAR WRAPAROUND SUNGLASSES: make sure they give UV protection.
  • USE SUNSCREEN: Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and UVA protection 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours – more often if swimming or perspiring.
  • CHECK the UV index – cancer.ie/uvindex

For more information on skin cancer or how to be SunSmart, visit www.cancer.ie/Sunsmart or call the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700.

Related Articles