Outdoor Workers
The workplace is a major source of sun exposure for many adult Australians. It is not surprising that outdoor workers who are required to spend long periods of time working in the sun, day after day and year after year, have a higher than average risk of developing skin cancers.
Skin cancer is an occupation health hazard and The Cancer Council recommends all outdoor workplaces have a comprehensive sun protection strategy in place that is aimed toward educating staff on the real dangers associated with occupational solar UV exposure. The Cancer Council ACT offers the following three educational learning resources to assist your workplace.
1) SunSmart Outdoor Workplace Information Sessions
The SunSmart Services Coordinator from The Cancer Council can present a 1 hour SunSmart information session on site at your workplace at a time that suits you and your employees. The sessions are very informative yet kept informal and work well as a general reminder to all outdoor workers to take it easy in the sun.
Participants to the session receive take home brochures whilst the workplace manager/ OH & S Officer or equivalent will receive a complimentary SunSmart Outdoor Workplace CD Rom Kit. The kit includes a comprehensive collection of information sheets and position statements, posters, employer's handbook and more.
A 1 hour session includes information on:
- The case for sun protection in the workplace
- Skin cancer in Australia
- What is Ultraviolet Radiation?
- What is skin cancer?
- The importance of early detection and prevention
To book your workplace information session simply download and complete an Outdoor Workplace Booking Form and return it to The Cancer Council ACT. Click here to view the general outline of the presentation.
2) New Outdoor Workplace CD Rom Kit
Workplaces may choose to purchase a SunSmart Outdoor Workplace CD Rom Kit. The kit cost $39.50 (inc GST) (extra costs may be involved for larger organisations). It includes take home brochures for each employee, a comprehensive employer's handbook, information sheets, position statements, posters and more.
The kit has been developed by The Cancer Council to assist local employers and employees toward developing and implementing a comprensive and effective sun protection program for the workplace. Contact The Cancer Council ACT today to purchase your kit on 6257 9999 or click on the image to email your request on-line.
3) National Online Training Course- Working safely in the sun.
This NEW interactive online iCourse has been designed especially for outdoor workplaces. It's also ideal for staff induction, refresher training and professional development for OH & S representatives. For more information on the course click here.
 Download a resource flyer for YOUR employer/ OH&S rep!
Workplace medical checks and skin cancer
The Cancer Council does not operate, recommend or endorse any skin check services or clinics. If your organisation decides to provide a skin check service for workers, it is important to ensure the medical practitioner conducting the checks has expertise and training in the area of skin cancer.
Remember: All workers should be encouraged, and provided with information, to examine their own skin, whether thay attend a workplace skin cancer check or not.
Other Links of interest
The Occupation Health and Safety Act 1989 has the clear objective of preventing illness and injury at work and saving lives. For more information on the Act or to downlaod and read the current ORS E-News Bulletin visit the Office Of Regulatory Services or contact them on (02) 6205 0200.
The Radiation Protection Standard for Occupational Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (2006) published by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), contains guidelines for both employers and employees for minimizing worker’s exposure to solar UVR.
Does your job require you to work in the sun? If yes, you may be able to claim a tax deduction. Contact The Australian Taxation Office or ring 13 2861 (for employees) or 13 2866 (for businesses). [NAT 7041-6.2002]
For more information download The Cancer Council's Position Statement Sun Protection in the Workplace or contact The Cancer Council ACT on 6257 9999.
Media Releases
November 07. Sun is a deadly risk for outdoor workers says Cancer Council
November 07  VIEW Burning Issues- Channel 9.
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