Cancer Council WA is calling on WA employers to increase their commitment to protecting outdoor workers from harmful ultraviolet (UV) exposure, following findings from a survey conducted during Safe Work Month 2023, which shows nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of outdoor workers reported their employer does nothing to reduce their exposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.
Cancer Council WA’s SunSmart Manager, Sally Blane, said that employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment, which includes taking proper steps to reduce harmful exposure to UV radiation.
“It is alarming that 24 per cent of outdoor workers report no action from their employers to mitigate UV exposure, despite the well-known risks of skin cancer,” Ms Blane said.
“Employers have a clear responsibility to safeguard their workers from harmful sun exposure, especially as UV radiation is a class 1 carcinogen.
“There are many simple, cost-effective measures employers can implement to protect outdoor workers, such as supplying sun protective hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, providing shaded areas for outdoor work, and adjusting work schedules to minimise sun exposure during peak UV periods.”
The survey also showed that while 52 per cent of workers said their employer provided sunscreen, less than half were provided with other essential protective equipment such as broad-brimmed hats (37 per cent), sunglasses (35 per cent), or clothing that covers their arms and legs (41 per cent).
Only 28 per cent of workers reported that their employer provided shade, and just 11 per cent said their employer scheduled outdoor work for times when the UV index is lower.
“With more than 90 per cent of skin cancer cases in Australia being preventable, we can’t afford for employers to be complacent,” Ms Blane said.
“The health and safety of workers should be a priority, and it’s time for more action to protect our outdoor workers.
“We encourage West Australian workplaces to ensure that going to work doesn’t result in a skin cancer diagnosis for workers.”
Safe Work Month runs from 1 October – 31 October.
*About the survey
During Safe Work Month 2023, Cancer Council WA conducted a survey of WA workers to assess their sun protection behaviours at work. A total of 511 WA adults who worked outdoors during daylight hours for at least one hour per day participated in the survey. Workers were from a range of industries, including mining, construction, health care and social assistance, and education and training.
