Healthy Workplaces - Sun Safety
A report commissioned by Safe Work Australia indicates that the construction industry, including landscape construction were consistently associated with greater odds of providing their workers with sunscreen, protective clothing, hats or sunglasses (personal protective equipment or PPE) which is great news for our industry. The not so great news is being based in Queensland put workers at a higher risk of significant sun exposure.
Employers not only have an obligation under WHS laws to provide the above equipment but also have a responsibility to ensure that supervisors monitor the routine and correct use of PPE. These measures coupled with ensuring adequate hydration throughout the day will see risks for your employees minimised. Since 2002 businesses have been able to claim the cost of PPE as a tax deduction as these items contribute to worker safety no less than safety boots, hard hats or gloves. Cancer Council Infosheet on workplace uniforms.
Of course PPE is only one measure of control against prevention of skin cancer whilst on the job site. You can use shade structures, rotate staff and working in off peak UV times wherever possible, may also be options to consider.
This detailed booklet from the Cancer Council provides employers with vital information and steps to take in the workplace to reduce sun exposure to their workers.
Australia Has the Highest Rate of Skin Cancer in the World!
Over 2000 Australians die each year from skin melanoma and the cost on the health system is huge however both the human and financial cost of skin cancer can be reduced since skin cancer is highly preventable. Due to the nature of the outdoors work undertaken in our industry, education and training of workers is a key factor in managing the risk and reducing these figures.
Did you know?
A fair skinned person in Brisbane may experience sunburn in as little as 8 minutes compared with 27 minutes in Hobart at midday in January.
Fast Facts
- Skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers
- Between 95 and 99% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun
- GPs have over 12 million patient consultations per year for skin cancer
There are 3 main types of skin cancer
- Melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
(Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are known as non-melanoma skin cancer)
As is the case with all cancers, early detection is vital. Make sure your GP is aware that you work outside and get into the habit of having regular skin checks with your GP or another specialist.
Become familiar with the look of your skin which will help you to notice any changes you might want to get investigated. Check for SIGNS:
- Any crusty, non-healing sores
- Small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour
- New spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months (especially those dark brown to black, red or blue-black in colour)
Check out this great poster you can display at work or email to employees
Download
Or provide them with this guide for working safely in the sun Skin Cancer & Outdoor Work.
Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Fact Sheet
Download
Resources for Your Business
There’s is a very comprehensive guide from the Cancer Council for employers which includes a sample sun protection policy for your business.
More detailed information as well as education services offered by Cancer Council can be found on their website. Stay Sun Smart at Work
Here’s a wonderful toolbox talk video to share with your staff introduced by former Queensland cricketer Ian Healy
Prevention is Better than Cure!
- Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
- Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours afterwards.
- Slap on a hat – that protects your face, head, neck and ears
- Seek shade
- Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards
Cancer Council has developed resources (fact sheets, toolbox videos, posters, etc) on a range of common workplace carcinogens. These resources have been designed for employers, employees and health and safety professionals covering information including what the cancer risk is, what you can do about them, legal obligations and where you can find more information. They aim to provide information about some workplace cancer risks, what you can do about them, legal obligations and where you can go for more information.
Some of the above information is reproduced from http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au & https://www.cancer.org.au/
This information was reproduced from information available from Cancer Council Queensland’s QUEST program or available from Cancer Council Queensland’s website – https://cancerqld.org.au/cancer-prevention/programs-resources/quest/
Page last updated 28/02/2023
