Sun Safety| Keeping sun safe in the workplace

Ultraviolet radiation is produced by the sun. UV rays are invisible so you can’t see or feel it, but they are always there.

Unprotected exposure to UV radiation injures the cells in the skin layers and can cause:

- Sunburn- Damage to the skin – premature ageing - Eye damage and serious eye conditions.

Ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of skin cancer.

What is UV?

The UV Index

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, for example, by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

• UV rays are invisible so you can’t see or feel it, but they are always there.

• Only ten minutes in the sun can result in damage to unprotected skin.

• UV rays can damage any type of unprotected skin.

What is Skin Cancer?

• Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

• At least two in every three Australians will develop skin cancer before they reach the age of 70.

• Australia is located close to the equator where rays from the sun are very intense.

• Australians work, go to school and relax in the sun for long periods of time.

Skin Cancer in Australia

Sunshine in moderation

“Sun exposure is the cause of around 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 95% of melanomas in Australia”.

“However, exposure to small amounts of sunlight is also essential to good health. A balance is required between avoiding an increase in the risk of skin cancer by excessive sun exposure and achieving enough exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D levels.”

Armstrong BK. How sun exposure causes skin cancer. In: Hill D, Elwood JM, English DR, eds. Prevention of skin cancer. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2004.

Risks for developing skin cancer

• Working outdoors for part or most of the day.

• Frequent sun exposure with no protection.

• Skin types which are sensitive to UV radiation and burn easily.

• History of severe/blistering sunburns.

• Actively tanning or using solariums.

• Family history of skin cancer.

Are you at risk?

Basal Cell Carcinoma• Most common type of skin cancer. • Usually found on upper torso, head, neck. • Small round spots, red, pale or pearly in colour.• Can also look like an ulcer that doesn’t heal.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)• Less common type of skin cancer.• Grows over months and rarely grows rapidly.• May spread to other parts of body if not treated.• Thickened red scaly spot.• May ulcerate or bleed easily.• Appears on sites most often exposed to the sun.

Types of Skin Cancer

Types of Skin Cancer

Melanoma • The least common type but the most dangerous. • It can be very aggressive and develop quickly.• Approximately 95% of cases of melanoma can be

cured if detected early.• Can occur anywhere on the body and can appear as

a new spot, a freckle or mole.• Usually has an irregular or smudged outline.• More than one colour.

Use ABCD to check your spots

• A (Asymmetry) one portion of the mole does not match the other.

• B (Border) edges are irregular, notched or blurred.• C (Colour) different shades of black or brown, patchy

colours.• D (Diameter) spot is six millimetres across or growing

larger.

If you notice ANY changes to your skin or have concerns about skin cancer you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

What to look for

Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, even places where the sun doesn’t shine, such as:

o the soles of the feeto under your armpitso in your nose and mouth

When detected early and treated properly, skin cancer is highly curable.

Take a good look

1. Minimising direct sun exposure when the UV index is three or greater. This is particularly important during peak UV periods.

This means you should limit your time in the sun between 10am and 2pm standard time and in daylight saving time between 11am and 3pm.

2. Sunscreen should be used to complement physical sun-protection measures rather than as the sole or primary

means of sun protection.

3. Correct application of sunscreens includes application of liberal amounts to clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before going

outside. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours.

How to protect your skin

Outdoor workers in Australia are at an increased risk of skin damage and skin cancer, receiving five to ten times more sun exposure than indoor workers

• Put a broad–brimmed hat on that keeps your face, neck and ears covered.

• Wear sunnies.

• Cover up - wear clothes that protect you from the rays but are suitable to work in.

Keeping sun safe in your workplace

• State Occupational Health and Safety Acts require employers to provide and maintain safe working environments. Employers must ensure their employees can work safely and without risk to their health - this includes exposure to UV radiation.

• Employees have a responsibility for their own safety and health and must follow UV protection policies and use sun protective measures provided.

• Cooperation between employers and employees can help minimise UV exposure in the workplace, this may include:

1. Reducing the amount of time outdoor workers spend in the sun.2. Providing and maintaining equipment needed to protect workers

from the sun.3. Information, instruction, training and supervision to reduce

UV exposure.

A workplace sun protection program

Material in this presentation was sourced from the following sources:

• Cancer Council Australia www.cancer.org.au • Melanoma Research Foundation www.melanoma.org • AIHW Australia's Health 2008 Report

http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=6442468102

References

Thank you