Attitude towards sun exposure behaviour in the construction industry

Abstract

The Maltese Island averages around 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. Statistics show that there is an increase in invasive malignant melanoma on the Maltese islands with 81 cases reported in 2019 compared to 50 cases reported in 2010 (Azzopardi & Ministry for Health, 2022). The National Audit Office identified that heat is correlated with the number of accidents in the construction industry (NAO, 2016). This makes exposure to ultraviolet radiation an important factor to consider for any outdoor worker. Despite this, there is limited literature and research on the subject. Furthermore, studies which analysed health and safety at construction sites in Malta did not consider risks introduced by the sun and heat (Micallef, 2012; Grima, 2008). This study aimed to close the gap by determining the level of awareness of sun-protective behaviour of construction workers, if recommended control measures are adhered to and the factors which might affect the level of adherence to the recommended control measures.