In France, around 3.5 million employees work outdoors and are exposed to bad weather. The health agency recommends in particular strengthening prevention, systematizing skin examination in occupational medicine and creating a dedicated occupational disease table.
The sun at work: a risk that is still too often invisible
A farmer who works in his fields, a roofer on a roof, a gardener who maintains a park or a waiter who performs services on the terrace: their jobs have little in common, other than sometimes repeated exposure to the sun’s rays. And this exposure is not limited to very hot days.
Wind, cool temperatures or overcast skies can give a false sense of security. At altitude, on snow or near water, the reflection of ultraviolet rays can even increase exposure.
In France, around 3.5 million employees work outdoors and are exposed to bad weatheraccording to the Sumer survey of the Directorate of Research Animation, Studies and Statistics (DARES). Some 150,000 employees are also exposed to artificial UV rays, particularly in certain industrial, disinfection or welding activities.
In its expertise published on October 15, 2026, the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) emphasizes that this risk concerns a wide variety of professions: agriculture, construction, transport, post office, catering, fishing and even maintenance of green spaces.
The problem is that this repeated exposure can leave marks long after the work days themselves. And the consequences are not only theoretical: after analyzing the scientific literature, the agency concludes that there is a proven causal link between occupational exposure to UV rays and several skin cancers.
Three skin cancers affected by a proven causal link
ANSES’s expertise focuses on three common skin cancers: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. For each, experts conclude that there is a proven causal link with occupational exposure to ultraviolet rays, whether natural or artificial.
These diseases do not all have the same characteristics. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas develop from skin cells. Melanoma appears from cells that produce melanin and can be particularly serious when diagnosed late. The agency also establishes a proven causal link between artificial UV emitted during welding and ocular melanomas.
This conclusion is important: it means that exposure to UV rays at work must no longer be considered as a simple inconvenience inherent to certain professions, but as an occupational risk in its own right.
However, determining whether a particular cancer is due to work remains complex. Occupational exposures often mix with personal exposures, and the effects of UV rays can appear long afterward. ANSES emphasizes that this difficulty contributes to the under-recognition of these cancers.
Recognize cancer as an occupational disease
In France, UV-related skin cancers do not currently have a specific occupational disease table. Their recognition remains possible through an additional procedure, with the regional committees for the recognition of occupational diseases, under certain conditions, in particular a foreseeable permanent incapacity rate of at least 25% and the demonstration of a direct and essential link with work.
For those affected, these steps can represent an additional obstacle, even though professional exposure has sometimes lasted a large part of their working life. ANSES therefore recommends the creation of an occupational disease table dedicated to skin cancers linked to UV rays. Such a system would facilitate their recognition and compensation when the planned criteria are met.
Be careful, however: this creation is not yet complete. Scientific expertise constitutes a strong argument in favor of this development, but the decision rests with the public authorities, after consultation with the competent authorities.
The issue goes beyond just compensation. Better identifying the occupational origin of cancer would also make it possible to better document exposures, improve knowledge and strengthen prevention measures in the sectors concerned.
Detect earlier, protect better: ANSES recommendations
Prevention cannot rely solely on employees. Wearing a hat, covering clothing, sunglasses and applying sun protection remain useful, but these individual actions are not enough to control the risk.
ANSES calls on employers to include exposure to solar UV rays in the single occupational risk assessment document. It recommends in particular adapting schedules to exposure conditions, limiting the time spent in the sun through job rotation and implementing appropriate collective protection.
Another priority: detect skin cancers earlier. The agency recommends systematize skin examination during occupational health visits and to train occupational physicians in dermatological examination. It also recommends better informing health professionals about the link between occupational exposure to UV rays and skin cancers, and improving access to dermatological consultations.
Because behind these recommendations lies a concrete reality: the earlier a cancer is detected, the greater the chances of favorable treatment may be. However, difficulties in accessing dermatologists sometimes contribute to diagnostic delays.
Finally, ANSES calls for better keeping records of occupational exposures, so that the risks incurred over the years do not disappear from records when the first symptoms appear.
The message is clear: protecting yourself from the sun should not be an individual responsibility left to the sole initiative of workers. For those who spend their days outside, prevention must also be organized within the company. And when cancer appears, the patient’s professional history must be taken into account, rather than remaining in the shadows.