Global warming could lead to a massive rise in employers' liability claims in the building industry.
Aon Construction Direct said contractors could face potential claims amounting to millions if they fail to warn their workers to use sun cream as temperatures soar over the next decade.
Employees could claim for negligence long after their contract has terminated if they contract skin cancer.
Aon warned employers that claims resulting from sunburn could eventually rival asbestos claims.
Aon Construction Direct has issued recommendations for employers:
• Remind employees of your health and safety guidelines: sun protection must be at the top of the agenda alongside wearing hard hats, protective shoes, working at height etc
• Provide suntan lotion on site every morning
• Advise workers to wear protective clothing
Aon Construction Direct's Nigel Geary said: “As temperatures soar this summer, builders need to think realistically about protecting their employees from the potential cancerous effects of working out in the sun all day. By including sun protection in your health and safety policy, you will be able to more effectively defend a claim if a former employee tries to prove negligence on your part for their illness.”
He added: “Larger building companies are more likely to have strict health and safety guidelines but it's the medium-sized and smaller businesses who are most at risk of facing big claims as they don't realise the need to impose these guidelines. It's easy to take the ‘It'll never happen to me' approach but builders must tackle this long-term issue for the well being of both their employees and their business.”
