The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) is hosting a free public webinar called 'SunSmart for Outdoor Workers' on Wednesday, July 23 at 12:00p.m.

The webinar will help raise awareness and support outdoor workers and their employers in reducing the risk of skin cancer.

According to the HSE, outdoor workers, including farmers, are particularly vulnerable to skin cancer.

Spending long periods of time outdoors, outdoor workers are exposed to two to three times more UV rays from the sun than indoor workers, putting them at increased risk of skin cancer and eye damage.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases annually.

The HSE said that the number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland is rising rapidly, yet skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting skin from UV.

According to the HSE, people often believe that the sun's heat causes skin cancer. However, it is UV radiation from the sun, which cannot be seen or felt, that causes damage to the skin.

The weather doesn't have to be a warm and sunny day for UV levels from the sun to be high, as even on cloudy days UV levels can be high enough to damage skin.

Specialist in public health at NCCP and the HSE, Dr Breeda Neville said: "UV damage builds up over time, so outdoor workers should use sun protection every day between April and September.

"Outdoor workers need to protect themselves by following the SunSmart 5 S’s, and employers should be aware of their responsibility to protect their employees," she added.

The '5 S's' that outdoor workers can follow are:

Slip on clothing that covers skin, such as long sleeves and collared t-shirts.
Slop on sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside, and re-apply every two hours.
Slap on a wide brimmed hat or hard hat with a brim and use a neck flap.
Seek shade, especially if outdoors between 11:00a.m and 3:00p.m when UV rays are strongest.
Slide on wraparound sunglasses.