Toolstation has partnered with Macmillan for a new campaign that aims to raise awareness of skin cancer among tradespeople.

Developed by PR agency Finn Partners, ‘Sunburn Swatch’ is designed to raise awareness of sun protection for tradespeople when working outdoors. The campaign features images of colour swatches to represent skin types, alongside statistics of how many tradespeople use sun protection on site.

According to an unweighted 2024 survey of 862 Toolstation customers from Toolstation’s own panel, who described themselves as trade customers, less than half (48%) of tradespeople worry about getting burnt while they are working outside.

A quarter (24%) skip wearing sun protection while working outside in the summer months, despite 68% always or often wearing it while on holiday.

The poll  also found that 59% of customers who work in a trade had suffered from sunburn working outside while on the job.

Half (50%) of trade customers who rarely or never wear sunscreen when working outside in the summer said they don’t wear protection because they forget or don't think about it before going to work, while 14% don’t think they need it. The same proportion (14%) opt against wearing it because they see it as an inconvenience.

The four swatch pallets of the campaign.
The four swatch palettes of the campaign.

Greg Richardson at Toolstation commented: “We know that tradespeople don’t have much time on their hands so prioritising suncare can be difficult but it’s really important that tradespeople are well informed about the implications of being burnt while working in the sun and the steps they can take to minimize that risk. We hope this campaign helps them overcome that risk and will make wearing sun cream when working outdoors as common as PPE.”

Rebecca Fanning at Macmillan Cancer Support added: “Skin cancer is often linked to UV exposure, and we know, thanks to Cancer Research UK, that up to 9 in 10 cases of melanoma skin cancer in the UK could be prevented by staying safe in the sun.

“Working with Toolstation, we’re doing whatever it takes to help more people with cancer to get the best possible care. By doing something as simple as applying SPF when out in the sun, tradespeople across the UK can minimise their risk of skin cancer and help reduce the number of people who need Macmillan’s support in the first place.”