Beat the Heat with 5 Sun Safety Tips

Before heading to the beach or the pool, you likely consider items to bring to protect you from the sun. But what about when you’re heading to work? Skin cancer is by far the most common form of cancer and too much exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases the risk of skin cancer. Outdoor workers naturally spend more time exposed to UV radiation, putting them at greater risk of sun damage and the potential of developing skin cancers. Despite this, the dangers of skin cancer in the workplace have often been neglected.

Employers have an obligation to minimize the risk of harm to employees. Providing and encouraging sun protection for outdoor workers can help create a healthy and safe workplace. About 132,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization[1]. Treatment of skin cancers in the U.S is estimated at a cost of $8.1 billion per year. According to the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation, the average melanoma patients lose 28 days from work[1].

Practice the Five S’s

Most skin cancers are preventable when best practice is followed. Consider the five S’s when it comes to protecting workers from UV exposure. To learn more about the five S's please visit the following link: https://info.debgroup.com/blog/shining-a-light-on-sun-safety-in-the-workplace

As part of its Be UV Aware campaign, Deb offers tools to help employers implement a suitable and successful sun safety policy to protect its workers. Please visit the following link to learn more: https://www.debgroup.com/ca/education-support/resources/be-uv-aware

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