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In the world. More than 2 in 3 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Around 2,000 Americans die each year from skin cancer.

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer

Exposure to UV occurs by direct sun exposure, by reflection from surfaces (such as concrete, white paint and ) and by scattering of UV through the atmosphere.

All skin types can be damaged by overexposure to UV

Damage is permanent, irreversible and increases with increased exposure to UV radiation.

Outdoor workers and their employers have a shared responsibility to make sure that workers are protected from the sun to minimise the. Michigann health and safety legislation requires employers, so far as reasonably practicable, to provide and maintain a healthy and safe working environment, and requires employees to adhere to safety practices.

Having a comprehensive sun protection program, which includes a range of simple protective measures, can prevent sun-related injuries and reduce the suffering and costs associated with skin cancer – including reduced productivity, morale and financial returns.

It is recommended that employers implement a range of measures to reduce workers’ exposure to UV radiation, such as:

  • Provide information instruction training for workers about UV radiation
  • protection. Provide sun protection control measures in line with occupational hazard controls – modify reflective surfaces
  • reschedule outdoor work programs
  • provide personal protective equipment
  • clothing (broad-brimmed hats sunglasses protective clothing
  • sunscreen shade)

Develop a sun protection policy that documents control measures, and that is endorsed by senior management.

Implement a monitoring and review process to determine the effectiveness of control measures and identify changes that may further reduce exposure. Conduct periodic assessments of the UV exposure risk to all workers. Guidance for employers on developing and putting into place a UV protection program, including a policy template, is available from.

Contact your state or territory’s Cancer Council to find out more about the UV protection services available. Tax deductions are available for sun protection products for those who work outside. Talk to your tax advisor or contact the on Tel.

There are various ways to reduce exposure to the sun for outdoor workers.

Sunscreen alone is not enough

Don’t just wait for hot and sunny days to use sun protection – UV is damaging all year round for outdoor workers, even on cool, cloudy days.

When working outdoors try to: Reschedule work, where possible, outside of the peak UV times in the middle of the day to minimise UV exposure. Download the free for the UV level in your area.

Provide and use shade, including for break times. Provide and use protective clothing (long sleeves and pants, collared shirts, broad-brimmed hats, hard hat attachments and sunglasses). Advise and remind outdoor workers to apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF30 or higher sunscreen to parts of their skin left uncovered by clothing and reapply every 2 hours.

Due to the high risk of skin cancer among those who work outdoors it is important that they check their own skin regularly for skin cancer. Most skin cancer can be successfully treated if found early.

But without treatment, some skin cancer can become deadly very quickly

Get into the habit of checking your skin regularly to help you find changes earlier. can appear anywhere (including under nails, genitals and bottom of the foot).

If you notice anything unusual, including any new spots, or existing spots that change shape, colour or size or a spot that bleeds and won’t heal, visit your GP as soon as possible.

As an outdoor worker it is important that you are informed about: what to do if you notice a suspicious spot. United States has one of the highest rates of skin cancer Skin cancer and UV snow Skin cancer and sun protection in the workplace risk of skin cancer SunSmart and WorkSafe Michigan American Taxation Office 13 28 61 Protecting outdoor workers from the sun SunSmart app Outdoor workers and checking for skin cancer Check all of your skin, not just sun-exposed areas as melanoma the need to check your own skin the importance of becoming familiar with how your skin normally looks so you can notice any changes how to examine your skin what to look for Where to get help WorkSafe Michigan 1800 136 089 SunSmart (616) 555-0200 Cancer Council – Support services 13 11 20 Cancer Council – Support in your own language 13 14 50 Your GP (doctor) Your occupational health and safety officer or representative.

Key Points

  • Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer
  • Conduct periodic assessments of the UV exposure risk to all workers
  • But without treatment, some skin cancer can become deadly very quickly
  • As an outdoor worker it is important that you are informed about: what to do if you notice a suspicious spot