BRAWNY builders are being told to cover up to protect themselves from the risks of skin cancer.

A major Manchester construction firm is urging site workers to be aware of the dangers of being outdoors for long periods in the heatwave and is even providing free, high factor sun cream to slap on.

Building firm George Wimpey is urging workers to forget the traditional macho display of muscles. But the news may come as a blow to female fans who enjoy the sight of rippling torsos made famous in the Diet Coke adverts of the 1990s.

The move comes after the Health Education Authority warned builders and other people who work outdoors that they are more at risk of developing skin cancer than any other employees.

All George Wimpey building sites in Greater Manchester have now been fitted with a factor 30 sun cream dispenser.

Phil Gleaves, Manchester's health and safety executive for the firm, said: "Builders are often exposed to prolonged periods in the sun and with the rates of skin cancer rising every year, it is essential that we address this issue.

Risks

"By supplying sites with sun cream we hope we can raise awareness of the risks and encourage our employees to work more safely in the sun."

More than 69,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in Britain - more than double the number reported in the early 80s.

It is fast becoming one of the most common cancers in Britain, responsible for more than 2,000 deaths a year.

The North West Health Protection Agency recently put out fresh advice to sunbathers and people who regularly work in the sun, but industry experts say many builders don't realise the risks.

Tim Betts, sales and marketing director for George Wimpey, said: "It's about changing attitudes. People who work outside tend to believe constant exposure to the sun makes them less likely to get skin cancer, but this is not the case.

"Builders need to start protecting their skin with sun cream and cover up as much as they can, which is why we will also be advising them to keep their shirts on."

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