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Sun safety in the workplace

Sun safety in the workplace. Toolbox talk for people working outdoors. The importance of sun safety. Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer before the age of 70 but the damage starts during the younger years. Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

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Sun safety in the workplace

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  1. Sun safety in the workplace Toolbox talk for people working outdoors

  2. The importance of sun safety • Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer before the age of 70 but the damage starts during the younger years. Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. 99 per cent of skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR), too much exposure to the sun. Around 324,000 non-melanoma skin cancers and 3,700 cases of melanomas are diagnosed each year in Queensland.

  3. People who work outdoors – high risk People who work outdoors have a higher than average risk of developing common skin cancers May receive five to 10 times more UVR exposure every year than indoor workers Damage occurs as soon as the skin is exposed to the sun (UVR) Damage is permanent and irreversible and increases with each exposure In Queensland the UV Index is threetimes higher almost every day

  4. What is the UV Index? • The UV index is a rating system with five categories: 1. Low: UV index of 1 to 2 2. Moderate: UV index of 3 to 5 3. High: UV index of 6 to 7 4. Very high: UV index of 8 to10 5. Extreme: UV index of 11 and above • Sun protection is required for three and above • Check your local UV index by visiting https://www.uvdaily.com.au/ or downloading the SunSmart app.

  5. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) • UVR is emitted from the sun. • UVR can: • damage our skin without us knowing • cause cancer • be high even on cool and cloudy days • cannot be felt • pass through loosely woven clothes • bounce off reflective surfaces such as metal, concrete and water. Good news – UVR is a natural source of vitamin D which is essential to health in small amounts.

  6. Be SunSmart every day Slip on sun protective clothing Slop on SPF30 or higher sunscreen and r apply every two hours Slap on a protective broad brimmed hat Seek shade where possible Slide on wrap around sunglasses that comply with Australian standards

  7. Take action • Follow your employer’s sun protection policies and procedures to reduce exposure to UVR. • Use supplied protective equipment e.g. shade structures, clothing, sunscreen etc. • Get annual skin checks with a qualified health professional – watch for changes on your skin. • Check your local UV index by visiting https://www.uvdaily.com.au/ or downloading the SunSmart app.

  8. Group discussion • What are our main sun safety risk factors at work? • What jobs/tasks are we performing when we are at risk? • What can we do about it?

  9. Remember • Report sun safety issues to your supervisor • Be sun smart: • wear sun-protective clothing (hat and sunglasses) • apply sunscreen • work in the shade where possible. • Have annual skin checks • See your doctor if your see changes in skin pigmentation

  10. Resources The links below provide the information you can use to support your sun protection strategies. You can create your own fact sheet or newsletter articles using these resources. Workplace Skin Cancer and Outdoor Work: A Guide for Employers https://www.cancer.org.au/content/pdf/PreventingCancer/BeSunsmart/Skincanceroutdoorworkbooklet.pdf Skin cancer and the sun – Summary of information and links to resources https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/hazardous-exposures/skin-cancer-and-the-sun Cancer Council Qld QUEST workplace resources https://cancerqld.org.au/cancer-prevention/programs-resources/quest/ Sun protection in the workplace information and resources https://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/sun-protection-in-the-workplace.html

  11. Resources Individual Check your local UV index https://www.uvdaily.com.au/ Downloading the SunSmart app http://www.sunsmart.com.au/tools/interactive-tools/free-sunsmart-app SunSmart resources: Skin check flyer http://www.sunsmart.com.au/downloads/resources/brochures/spot-the-difference-flyer.pdf Cancer Council Queensland sun protection facts https://cancerqld.org.au/cancer-prevention/understanding-risk/sun-protection/

  12. Record of toolbox meeting

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