A collaborative campaign to raise awareness among Irish farmers of the importance of protecting their skin from the sun has been launched by Bord Bia in partnership with the HSE’s national cancer control programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland.
‘SunSmart for Farmers’ leaflets will be distributed to all dairy, beef and sheep farmers by Bord Bia auditors during audits from 22 May to 31 August.
About 780 farms are visited weekly by Bord Bia auditors, meaning the campaign is set to reach over 12,000 farmers during the peak UV exposure season.
“Bord Bia auditors will visit thousands of farmers this summer, and we are pleased to use this opportunity to support the HSE and Healthy Ireland’s annual SunSmart campaign.
"Through our access to the farming community, we hope to raise awareness among farmers of the importance of sun safety and reduce their risk of skin cancer,” agricultural sustainability co-ordinator with Bord Bia Muireann Baker said.
Most-common form
“Skin cancer is the most-common form of cancer in Ireland, with those working outdoors particularly at risk. Through this joint initiative with Bord Bia, we’re placing life-saving advice directly in farmers’ hands. Small protective habits today can make a big difference for long-term health,” senior health promotion and improvement officer with the HSE Ann-Marie Lawlor commented.
“As farmers, we’re exposed to up to three times more UV rays compared with people who work indoors, putting us at greater risk of developing skin cancer,” farmer and SunSmart ambassador Ross Crowe stated.
"I’m glad to support this campaign and encourage other farmers to protect themselves from the sun every day, whether out in the field, inside the tractor cab or on a cloudy day."
For more information and tips on staying safe in the sun, visit the HSE website.
SHARING OPTIONS