Outdoor workers are exposed to 3 times more UV radiation than indoor workers, with the Cancer Institute NSW urging people to take action to reduce their skin cancer risk.
The Cancer Institute NSW’s new hard-hitting ‘Change Your Routine’ video campaign warns of the dangers of skin cancer, with supportive resources for workers and employers that model how, when and where to protect their skin at work.
Chief Cancer Officer for NSW and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien, says you may not be able to see or feel UV, but it’s ever-present, even on cool and cloudy days.
“It’s a misconception that UV radiation is only harmful during summer, with high UV index levels present in NSW from August to May,” Professor O’Brien said.
“95% of melanoma and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and for those working in agriculture, construction, roads and our backyards, the risk of developing skin cancer is even greater.
“Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented if we follow the advice that has been drummed into us for decades – when outdoors, slip on protective clothing, slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, slap on a wide brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. It can truly save lives.”
Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, with 2 out of 3 Australians treated for skin cancer during their lifetime. Not all skin cancers can simply be cut out, with men over 40 years of age 2.5 times more likely to die from melanoma than women of the same age.
Professor O’Brien says UV radiation is a major workplace hazard and employers have a duty of care to protect their workers.
“There are simple measures employers can take to protect their staff, like setting up shade areas using gazebos or awnings, attaching sun protection to helmets, providing employees with sunscreen and breathable full-length work wear and ensuring workers follow other sun safety measures,” Professor O’Brien said.
Construction worker Corey Jane, 29, has had 20 skin cancers removed from almost every part of his body. He calls on fellow outdoor workers to make sun protection part of their daily routine.
“My attitude towards sun safety since my diagnosis has changed drastically. It’s not uncool to be the person with the big hat, the sunglasses, the long sleeve shirts, because at the end of the day, that person has a better chance of living a longer, healthier life,” Mr Jane said.
“This campaign will be hitting the airwaves and reaching out to workers and employers online,” Minister for Health, Ryan Park said.
“The campaign will dispel myths about the risks of skin cancer as well as provide simple and practical steps for workers and their employers to take to prevent it.”
“Make checking the UV index part of your morning routine before you head to work. If its high, then cover up and protect yourself,” Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said.
“It only takes a few minutes to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays and it could save you a lifetime of battling skin cancer.
“Worker health and safety isn’t just about hardhats and harnesses, it is also about sun protection and avoiding overexposure to UV on the job.”
The general rule is to protect your skin from the sun when the UV index is high, at 3 or above. Daily UV index levels can be monitored on the MyUV site.
Find more information on the Change Your Routine campaign.
Watch Corey’s Skin Cancer Story
