Tackling skin cancer risks for tradies

Construction site workers are exposed to UV at five to 10 times the rate of indoor workers, according to research.

In order to protect tradies from the harmful rays of the sun, Target Tradies and the Cancer Council have announced the launch of a partnership to help educate Australian construction workers about the importance of being sun smart at work.

The initiative aims to remind tradies to take simple steps to reduce their skin cancer risk.

Target Tradies is an Australian company focused on delivering specific messaging to tradies on the job, visiting over 600 sites a month across the country. Over the past four years the company has posted dozens of campaigns for government, institutions and commercial companies.

The latest pro bono campaign supporting the Cancer Council is rolling out across Australia and will include a series of new posters showcasing targeted sun protection messaging for outdoor workers. The posters will remind trade workers to slip on a long-sleeved shirt, slop on SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses, as well as keep a close eye on their skin.

Heather Walker, Chair of Cancer Council Australia’s National Skin Cancer Committee, said outdoor workers need to use sun protection all year round.

“Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. The majority of skin cancers are caused by the sun’s UV radiation, so those who work outdoors are at significantly higher risk,” she said.

“We need to keep reminding Australian tradies that if you work outdoors, sun protection is an essential part of OH&S. That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with Target Tradies to raise vital awareness about the risk of UV exposure on worksites across Australia.”

“There is a certain level of functional safety messaging that construction companies cover as part of their OH&S programs on-site. However, these posters tend to lose their efficacy over time,” said Michael Blumberg, Founder and Director of Target Tradies.

“Our research supports the need for regular updating of messaging, but more importantly also widening the content to cover other relevant issues around physical safety and the mental wellbeing of workers on the job.

“We are proud to be a supporter of Cancer Council as part of our CSR commitment and contribution to the construction industry and look forward to working with major construction companies to grow our footprint to cover 4000 sites in the future to be even more effective.”

Image courtesy of Target Tradies.