1 in 2 outdoor workers miss out on sun protection

New research released by the Cancer Council shows that some Australian workplaces are failing to protect their employees from harmful UV as around one in two workers who spend time outside miss out on sun protection.

The data comes from Cancer Council Australia’s National Sun Protection Survey, timed during National Safe Work Month as a reminder to Australian employers of their duty of care to help reduce their employees’ risk of skin cancer.

“Over 2.5 million Australians spend half or more of their working time outdoors, yet only half of those working outdoors say their workplace has a sun protection policy in place,” said Vanessa Rock, chair of Cancer Council Australia’s National Skin Cancer Committee.

Current estimates suggest that 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers and 200 melanomas are linked to the workplace each year*.

The council’s analysis shows that male outdoor Australian workers who spend five hours or more outside are most at risk, spending on average almost two hours more a day outdoors than their female counterparts.

“Unless employers do more now, we can expect to see a continuing increase in workplace-related skin cancer cases and an increasing number of workplace compensation claims,” said Rock.

“Employees should also take responsibility for their own health and make sure they protect themselves when working outdoors.”

The council advises that sun protection for outdoor workers is important year round because of the additional UV exposure they receive. Providing portable shade wherever possible is also beneficial, but when outdoor work is unavoidable, providing protective clothing, sunscreen and broadbrim hats are key.

Rock said there were clearly gaps in current practice that Australian workplaces should address.

“Our research shows only one in two outdoor workers were provided with sunscreen, and less than one in three portable shade. Two in five outdoor workers were provided with hats.

“For Australian workers, sun protection should be a tool of the trade — it’s as important to workplace safety as shoes or high-visibility clothing. Whether Australian workers are involved in building and construction, farming or outdoor retail, sun protection is vital.”

To find out more, visit cancer.org.au/workplace.

*Fritschi, L. and Driscoll, T., Cancer due to occupation in Australia. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2006. 30(3):pp.213–219