Outdoor workers are being targeted by Bradford doctors in a bid to drive down spiralling rates of skin cancer.

And employers are being reminded they could face health and safety penalties if they fail to safeguard the lives of their staff by not issuing sunscreen, appropriate clothing, sunglasses and hats.

In the run-up to Sun Awareness Week, starting on June 4, the dermatology team at St Luke's Hospital and Bradford Skin Cancer Action Group are encouraging people to follow the Australian example.

In some states Down Under where two in three people suffer from skin cancer, it is now against the law for workers such as road workers and farmers to carry out tasks without protective clothing.

The number of skin cancer patients in Bradford has leapt by over 20 per cent over the last few years, with more than 10,000 people attending St Luke's Hospital with skin-related problems.

Bradford consultant dermatologist Dr Andrew Wright, said that taking part in outdoor activities was a proven factor in placing people at greater risk.

"Skin cancer is the fastest growing and most common form of cancer in the UK, yet it is almost totally preventable with around 95 per cent of cases being treatable if detected early," he said.

"Untanned skin can show mild sunburn within 12 minutes when exposed to summer sunlight between 11am and 3pm, when the sun's harmful UV rays are at their strongest. Permanent damage will occur after two hours of exposure.

"Sunlight is the major cause of most skin cancers, even under Yorkshire's often cloudy skies. We are appealing to outdoor workers, and in particular to their employers, to recognise the potential dangers and take preventative action."

Employers in this country now have a legal duty to protect outdoor workers from the hazards of the sun by identifying potential risks and introducing initiatives to control them.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said breaches of the law could result in fines of up to £20,000 or even a prison sentence.

The Bradford campaign is being backed by Yorkshire Water, which has hundreds of staff and contractors working outside on projects every day. The company's manager of contracts, John Spain, said it was important for his staff to take the necessary precautions.

He said: "We are advising our staff and our contractors who are working outside to cover up this summer and not to expose themselves to the sun no matter how hot it gets."