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Occupation Cancer Prevention

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Occupation Cancer Prevention

By
Jeremy Trotman
on 27 Jan 2016 11:36 AM
Blog Category: Safety Blog

Now we’re in the midst of summer our exposure to ultra violet radiation from the sun generally increases due to the larger area of skin exposed to sunlight and the increase in sunlight UV levels.

These two factors result in an increased risk of developing skin cancer, with outdoor workers receiving five to 10 times more sun exposure than indoor workers, putting them at a higher risk.

Exposure to photosensitising substances can also worsen the effects of solar UV radiation, some examples of photosensitising substances include coal tar, pitch, creosote, certain dyes and a number of medications.

There are three types of skin cancer:
  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) the most common form of skin cancer which grows slowly and if left untreated may damage surrounding tissues and organs.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) grows fast and if left untreated may spread to other parts of the body.
  • Melanoma the least common type of skin cancer but the cause of most skin cancer related deaths. Fast growing and able to spread to other parts of the body forming new cancers.

Workplace legislation throughout Australia requires that where there is a risk to health and safety within a workplace controls are implemented to reduce these risks. This may require an assessment to identify the hazards, evaluate the risks and select the most appropriate controls which must be performed in consultation with employees.

Controls for consideration may include:
    • Re-organising work – move jobs to shaded areas (i.e. under trees, the shade of a building or under temporary shade structures), perform outdoor tasks at times where UV levels are lower (before 10am and after 3pm), rotate staff between indoor and outdoor work.
    • Providing appropriate protective clothing i.e. clothing covering as much exposed skin as possible that provides good sun protection, broad-brim or legionnaire style hats and sunglasses conforming to Australian Standard AS/NZ 1067:2003.
    • SPF30 or higher broad-spectrum water resistant sunscreen should be applied before going out in the sun and reapplied as per manufactures instructions.
    • Provision of appropriate training for outdoor workers (including information on the risks and health effects of exposure to solar UV radiation, available controls to reduce exposure and how to self-screen for skin cancer).

This article was written by JTA's Senior Occupational Hygienist Aaron Zannussi.

For more information on heat stress at work click here.

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