The document discusses the risks associated with unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, including the potential for skin cancer and other health issues. It emphasizes the need for appropriate sun protection measures, particularly for outdoor workers in Australia, and highlights the importance of early detection for skin cancer. The document also outlines responsibilities for both employers and employees to create a safe working environment regarding UV exposure.

1. Sun Safety| Keeping sun safe in the workplace

2. 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?

3. The UV Index

4. 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?

5. • 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

6. 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.

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, even places where
the sun doesn’t shine, such as:
o the soles of the feet
o under your armpits
o in your nose and mouth
When detected early and treated properly, skin cancer is highly
curable.
Take a good look

12. 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

13. 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

14. • 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

15. 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

16. Thank you