This month is skin cancer awareness month. Research has shown that among people diagnosed with skin cancer, 44% work in construction. And that’s not surprising—when you work outdoors, sun exposure significantly increases your risk of developing the disease. That’s why a special hi-vis vest has now been developed that alerts the wearer when it’s time to apply sunscreen. An interesting innovation that could save many lives.
UV U SEE
It was Hannah Penn, co-owner of the advertising agency Pablo London, who was personally confronted with melanoma—a form of skin cancer—after the birth of her second child. Once she recovered, she wanted to raise more awareness about the disease. During her search for information, she discovered that skin cancer is a particularly significant issue among construction workers.
When we think of safety on construction sites, PPE that prevents accidents is usually top of mind. But your skin? The only way to protect it from the sun is by covering it or applying sunscreen—and it’s easy to forget when you’re busy working.
A Changing Logo to Signal Danger
In collaboration with four partners (Leo Workwear, the National Federation of Builders, LifeJacket Skin Protection, and the Considerate Constructors Scheme), UV U SEE was founded. In addition to raising awareness about the dangers of skin cancer, the company has launched an innovative product: a hi-vis vest featuring a silicone logo that changes color when it’s time to apply sunscreen.
When the logo is white, there’s no immediate danger. But as UV levels rise throughout the day, it shifts from white to orange and eventually red. The idea is that not only can the wearer see this change, but colleagues can also use it as a prompt to remind each other. It’s a team effort to stay sun-safe. The company also offers signage with mounted sunscreen dispensers for on-site use.
This Is a Conversation Starter
This isn’t the first time workwear has been used to spotlight worker health in construction. Back in March, I also wrote about Trademutt’s hi-vis vests, which aim to raise awareness around mental health. With the words “This Is A Conversation Starter” printed on the back, the vests signal that the wearer is open to chatting with colleagues. The goal is to create a more open environment where people feel better supported—ultimately helping to reduce the high suicide rates in the construction industry.
It would be great to see both initiatives worn more widely, or even combined. That way, the wearer would be protected in three ways: the hi-vis color enhances visibility, the color-changing logo prompts sunscreen use, and the text on the back encourages connection and conversation. Suddenly, the idea of “multi-protection” takes on a whole new meaning.
Who’s ready to take it on?
