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Working outdoors puts many at high risk for skin cancer
If you work outdoors, you have a high risk for developing skin cancer because you are regularly exposed to the sun for long periods of time, according to the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA).
Adding to the danger for outdoor workers is the fact that you are often in the sun during those times in the day when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which will harm the skin, is at its strongest, between 12 noon and 2 pm.
The CDA is focusing on sun safety for outdoor workers during its National Sun Awareness Campaign now underway. The good news is that skin cancer is largely preventable. You can protect yourself in these ways:
- Try to limit the amount of time you work outdoors in the sun from 11 am to 4 pm.
- Seek shade from buildings, trees, canopies, etc, as much as possible, especially during lunch and coffee breaks.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat (more than 8 cm or 3 inches). Attach a back flap to a construction helmet to cover the back of the neck and a visor for the front of the face.
- Wear clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. Fabrics which do not let light through work best. Make sure clothing is loose and comfortable.
- Apply an SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB) sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin before you go outside.
- Reapply at midday or more often if you are perspiring heavily. Apply a broad spectrum, SPF 30 lip balm.
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Links
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Free materials to download
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Videos
Sun protection tips from
Dr Cheryl Rosen,
National Director of CDA's Sun Awareness Program
Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers
1: Who's at risk (3 min, 45 sec)
Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers
2: Ways to protect yourself
(3 min 48 sec)
Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers
3: Spotting skin cancer
(5 min 25 sec)
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To order new CDA materials on sun safety at work and view pricing, click order form [pdf].
Manual - This 50-page manual was developed for human resources professionals to introduce a complete sun safety program for outdoor workers in their organization. Includes a comprehensive explanation of sun and skin issues; current legislation on the workplace; suggested sun safety measures; developing sun safety policy, and Canadian educational materials available.
DVD - This 10 minute program, aimed at outdoor workers, will help this group learn the facts about skin cancer and find out safe, easy ways to protect themselves. Also features a section on what skin cancers look like.
Brochure - This 3-panel brochure, which will fit into most office brochure racks, explains why outdoor workers have a greater risk of skin cancer and offers simple sun safety steps they can take. It also features common sun safety myths and facts, as well as FAQs on this topic.
Poster - This mid-sized poster (14.5 inches by 9.5 inches) is suitable for office notice boards or patients rooms. It features workers in various outdoor locations and promotes sun safety through seeking shade, wearing hats, clothing and sunscreen. |
