LYON, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 24: Carter Gordon of Australia applauds the fans at full-time following the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Wales and Australia at Parc Olympique on September 24, 2023 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
The Cancer Council WA has launched a significant campaign aimed at encouraging outdoor workers to integrate sun protection into their daily routines. Research indicates that these workers are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation up to ten times more than those working indoors, placing them at a considerably higher risk for skin cancer.
The campaign, titled “Change your routine before skin cancer changes it for you,” seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of UV exposure in the workplace. According to Sally Blane, SunSmart Manager at the Cancer Council WA, the initiative is particularly timely as it coincides with October, recognized as National Safe Work Month. With approximately 22 percent of Australians exposed to UV radiation at work, this campaign highlights the urgent need for effective sun safety practices.
“Workplaces are a major source of UV radiation for many Australians. It’s estimated that around 200 melanomas and 34,000 other skin cancers diagnosed each year are directly attributable to UV exposure on the job,” Ms. Blane stated.
A recent study conducted by the Cancer Council WA found that while many outdoor workers engage in protective measures, notable gaps still exist. The survey revealed that the most common protective action taken was wearing sunglasses, reported by 68 percent of participants. In contrast, only 41 percent indicated they wore a broad-brimmed hat.
“We urge both employers and employees to prioritize sun safety,” Ms. Blane emphasized. “You wouldn’t send workers onsite without a hard hat or steel-capped boots, and sun protection should be treated in the same regard.”
To mitigate UV exposure, the campaign recommends wearing sunglasses, long-sleeved clothing, sunscreen, and broad-brimmed hats while encouraging workers to stay in the shade whenever possible.
The campaign, originally developed by the Cancer Institute NSW and adapted for use in Western Australia, will be promoted through social media and YouTube until March 2026. It primarily targets men aged 18-55, especially those over 40, who work in industries such as construction and agriculture.
By emphasizing the importance of sun safety, the Cancer Council WA aims to protect outdoor workers from the long-term health risks associated with UV exposure, fostering a safer work environment for all.
