Leading housebuilder Taylor Wimpey is encouraging construction workers at its new homes developments to stay safe in the sun as the summer gets under way.

With temperatures rising, workers are being reminded to use sun screen to protect them against harmful UV rays with informative posters being displayed at Taylor Wimpey construction sites across the country.

According to research, construction and other outdoor workers are among the most at-risk for skin cancer – yet they are often the least likely to take the risk seriously and use sun protection*.

Edward Woods, Director of Health, Safety and the Environment for Taylor Wimpey, says: “As a responsible housebuilder, the wellbeing of our employees and sub-contractors is our top priority and this is why we’re encouraging our construction workers to slap on the sun screen this summer.

“The purpose of our poster campaign is to remind workers of the importance of taking sensible precautions when it comes to sun safety, from wearing their hard hat, using suitable factor sunscreens to staying in the shade during their breaks.

These simple steps can greatly reduce the chance of them suffering long-term skin damage as a result of sun exposure.”

The sun safety posters will be displayed at the 300-plus Taylor Wimpey building sites across the UK and will feature the following advice:

Use a sun screen of at least SPF 30
Keep your top on at all times
Stay in the shade whenever possible and during breaks
Keep your hard hat on at all times when out in the open
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
Tell your doctors about any new or changing moles

Mike Couderc, Site Manager at Taylor Wimpey’s Compass Point development in Southampton, says: “This campaign is a fantastic idea. It’s easy for builders and other outdoor workers to forget about the importance of putting on sun screen or staying in the shade, so these posters will be a great reminder when we’re out on site to take sun safety more seriously.”

Information on Taylor Wimpey developments across the UK is available by visiting www.taylorwimpey.co.uk.