Builder’s melanoma diagnosis highlights critical need for sun safety

Robert Jones, based in Newport, Shropshire, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on his face after 40 years working in the trade

A Federation of Master Builders (FMB) member’s recent melanoma diagnosis, which he says has made him ‘paranoid’, has prompted the FMB to issue an urgent warning about sun protection.

Robert Jones, director of Cartref Building Restoration Services Limited, based in Newport, Shropshire, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on his face after 40 years working in the trade.

His face's 5mm dark freckle gradually became "darker and really dark and raised" over a year. Following a consultant's examination and biopsy, he required major facial surgery to remove the cancerous cells.

"It's sun exposure," Robert explained when asked about the cause: "I mean, obviously, I've been in the trade for 40 years. When we were younger, we didn't think we were invincible. I've just been caught in the sun a lot, you know, it's caught up with me."

The diagnosis has dramatically changed Robert’s approach to outdoor work. "I'm quite paranoid now about working outside," he admitted. "Even to the stage where if I'm working in a little bit of a wall or something like that, I use a gazebo to cover over me to try and get the sun off me."

He said he now applies factor 50 sunscreen regularly and has become selective about the jobs he takes. "I try to pick and choose a little bit of what I do now with my job, because it's made me quite scared now, to be honest.”

Robert’s experience highlights a concerning trend in the construction industry regarding sun protection awareness.

He was candid when asked if builders take sun protection seriously: "Not really, probably not to be honest. We all think we're invincible, don't we? We think it won't get to us, but it does."

Robert’s story comes at a time when skin cancer rates are rising, affecting people of all ages. During his treatment, he learned of a 16-year-old who had been diagnosed with melanoma from a mole that "went a bit funny."

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “Robert’s story is a powerful and sobering reminder that skin cancer poses an increasing threat to anyone working outdoors, particularly our members and those in the building industry.

No one is invincible when it comes to the dangers of sun exposure. At the FMB, we strongly encourage every builder to prioritise sun safety—applying high-factor sunscreen regularly, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible. These precautions are vital to protecting your skin and preserving your health."

Robert Jones now advocates strongly for sun protection measures among his fellow builders. His recommendations include:

• Applying factor 50 sunscreen regularly throughout the day
• Wearing protective headwear such as hard hats or helmets to provide shade
• Using temporary shade structures like gazebos when possible
• Being vigilant about changes to moles and freckles

"Make sure you put plenty of factor 50 cream on, cream up every so many hours, and just protect yourselves," Jones urged. "Put a hat on, or a helmet, just protect yourself. Cream yourselves up and just be careful, because I think we all think we're invincible. We're not."