Skin Cancer Awareness

Protecting Our Team – On and Off the Job

As the days grow warmer and the sun shines brighter, the HF Health & Safety Team would like to remind everyone of an important message: your health and wellbeing come first.

With the summer months ahead and more time spent outdoors, both on-site and in your free time, it’s vital to stay vigilant about the risks of sun exposure, especially the dangers of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is one of the most common, yet most preventable, forms of cancer. Taking simple, daily precautions can make a significant difference in protecting your long-term health.

Simple Steps for Sun Safety:

• Apply high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) before heading outdoors and reapply regularly, especially if you are sweating or working outside for long periods.
• Wear lightweight long-sleeve clothing where possible.
• Take regular breaks in shaded areas during peak sun hours (11am – 3pm).
• Keep hydrated — make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day.
• Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles, freckles, or patches of skin. If you notice anything unusual, seek medical advice.

We also encourage our teams to look out for one another. If you notice a colleague looking a little sunburnt or showing signs of heat exhaustion, don’t hesitate to speak up. A few words could make all the difference.

At HF, our commitment to safety is more than just a policy — it’s part of who we are. Our Harm Free approach is central to how we operate across all areas of the business. We believe that every member of the HF family deserves to go home safe and healthy at the end of each day, whether you are on the tools, managing a project or working behind the scenes.

Understanding the Risk of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer develops when the skin’s cells are damaged, most often by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Even in the UK, where we don’t always associate the weather with strong sunshine, UV rays can cause lasting harm — especially during the warmer months.

There are different types of skin cancer, but the most serious is melanoma, which can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. According to Cancer Research UK, around 9 in 10 cases of melanoma could be prevented by enjoying the sun safely and avoiding sunburn.

Everyone is at risk, but those with fair skin, lots of moles or freckles, or a family history of skin cancer need to take extra care. Even a single case of severe sunburn, especially in childhood, can significantly increase the risk later in life.

The good news is that skin cancer is largely preventable — and that’s why taking simple precautions now can protect you for the future.

Safety is a Team Game

Safety is about more than avoiding accidents on-site — it’s about caring for each other’s overall wellbeing. Protecting yourself against skin cancer is another way we can live that value every day.

At HF, we believe that a safer, healthier future is built by working together, protecting not just our physical safety on-site, but our wider health and wellbeing. Let’s continue to uphold our Harm Free commitment — because looking after yourself means looking after each other.

If you would like more advice or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak with a member of our Health & Safety Team. Early action can save lives.

Let’s enjoy the summer safely, and continue to live by the values that make HF stronger every day.