Landscapers more often affected by skin cancer due to working in the sun

NEWS

Frank van de Ven, Wednesday 1 April 2026

59 sec

Training by the Dutch Skin Fund and eX:plain focuses on recognition and prevention

The Dutch Skin Fund and eX:plain are launching a free online instruction for outdoor workers such as landscapers. The instruction 'Working safely in the sun' helps prevent and detect skin cancer at an earlier stage. In the Netherlands, more than 81,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. People who work outdoors have up to three times higher risk. The instruction has been available since April 1 in Dutch and English.

This article was previously published on April 1, 2026 on the website of De Hovenier.

Image created using AI.

The instruction is short and practical and aligns with the Generic Safety Instruction (GPI). This focuses on safe working. The new module adds a health aspect: protection against the sun and early recognition of skin cancer. Coosje Vink-Roetman of eX:plain: 'With both the Generic Safety Instruction for Construction (GPI) and this new instruction, we highlight everyday risks. We want to encourage discussion about these risks and motivate employees to act on them in practice.'

'We see that sun protection at work is still too often considered optional, while routine makes the difference'

Part of the working day

Marijne Landman of the Dutch Skin Fund: 'By guiding employees in a practical way on what constitutes sensible behaviour and what to watch out for, you increase the chance that signals are noticed earlier and that protection becomes a standard part of the working day.'

Employers can add the instruction to their safety approach. The instruction is available via gpi.nu and huidfonds.explainsafe.nl. Participants receive a certificate after completion.

In the last week of May, extra attention will be given to safe working in the sun during 'Protect the Outdoor Worker Week'. Companies can join the Sun Covenant, committing to better protection for people who work outdoors.

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