Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with skin cancer being the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer – particularly amongst 15-34 year olds. Around 85% of melanomas are caused by too much UV radiation – something builders and other tradespeople are exposed to when working outside frequently and for extended periods of time.
To help raise awareness of the importance of tradespeople protecting their skin, we’ve once again partnered with Melanoma UK, and this year we’ve created a campaign with a difference. Keep your eyes peeled on social media, and you’ll soon spot a wealth of different tradespeople ‘slapping on’ sun cream to themselves before ‘passing on’ the suncream to another participant.
Our ‘Slap it on, pass it on’ initiative has been designed to encourage tradespeople to protect themselves and one another in the sun, and help remove some of the stigma around applying suncream when working outdoors. It also encourages builders and tradespeople to keep their shirts on and apply suncream around it for double protection.
In the videos – which you’ll see on Instagram and Tik Tok – everyone taking part is asked to nominate another three other people to take part, to spread further awareness and increase the reach of our message across the construction sector.
Last year, we donated £10,000 to Melanoma UK which helped the charity to purchase ten dermatoscopes. The hand-held devices make it easier to identify skin cancer, equipping GPs and skin cancer nurses with the ability to make a true difference in their communities.
Gareth Drew, Head of Marketing at Jewson, said: “All too often we hear of tradespeople suffering from skin cancer or melanoma, due to prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays. Working outside is part and parcel of their job and that element can’t change, but what can, is the way in which the industry views sun protection – which is what makes our work here so important.
“For too long, applying sun cream on the building site hasn’t been taken as seriously as it should be, but when the repercussions are so significant, it’s vital we do what we can to change that. This second year of our partnership with Melanoma UK is making a huge impact thanks to our social media activity, and we hope it will go a long way in helping the charity in its invaluable research and quest to protect more people from this awful disease.
“Working together, we know we can make a real difference to the people who walk through Jewson doors every day – as well as their family and friends.”
Diane Cannon, Corporate Partnership Director at Melanoma UK, said: “Melanoma is a growing issue amongst outdoor construction workers so our partnership with Jewson is vital in raising awareness of how people in the industry can take better steps to protect themselves. The donation we received from Jewson last year has gone a long way in supporting people to detect and diagnose skin cancer quickly, and we know this year’s social media activity will spread the crucial messages we share about protecting your skin all year round.”
