SAFE SKIN AT WORK
SAFETY IS A NUMBER ONE PRIORITY FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES. YOU MAKE SURE THEY HAVE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT EVERY DAY TO PREVENT INJURIES ON THE JOB.
But what about their skin? Outdoor workers receive up to 8 times more UV radiation than indoor workers and have a 60% greater risk of developing skin cancer. Does your workplace have policy and practices in place to protect your workers from painful sunburns and dangerous skin cancer?
Skin cancer rates are growing at epidemic numbers. This year alone, over 3.5 million skin cancers will be diagnosed in this country. The World Health Organization has declared that ultraviolet radiation in the sun’s rays is a known human carcinogen, as dangerous as arsenic and nicotine.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized that safe workplaces promote ways to protect workers’ skin from harmful UV radiation. Without protective sunscreen and clothing, your employees are exposed to dangerous UV rays for several hours every day.
How do you protect them – and protect your company – from the risks and losses associated with skin cancer?
CREATE A WORKPLACE CULTURE AND POLICIES THAT PROMOTE SUN SAFETY.
- Educate your managers and employees about the risks of UV exposure both on and off the job.
- Encourage sunsafe habits by incentivizing and rewarding employees who practice sunsafe behavior.
- Make sure your company’s PPE includes these sun-safety items every day:
- Sunscreen (Broad Spectrum, at least 30 SPF)
- Wide-brimmed hat or neck flap
- Long-sleeved shirts and/or pants
- Sunglasses
- Erect temporary shade structures at worksites.
- Whenever possible, schedule work time to avoid the peak hours of UV exposure – between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. When this isn’t possible, make sure your staff practices extra sun protection during these high-risk hours. Allow time ahead of shifts for sunscreen application.
LET IMPACT MELANOMA HELP YOU LEARN MORE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WORKPLACE SUN SAFE!
- Schedule a management training about creating an effective sun safety policy to protect your workforce. We have educational materials, a powerpoint presentation, and e-learning programs to teach your company leadership about the importance of sun protection on the job.
- Schedule a staff training on “Skin Cancer 101” to teach your employees about the risks of UV radiation, and how to protect themselves on and off the job.
- Equip your staff with PPE to keep their skin safe from dangerous UV rays. IMPACT Melanoma has a variety of UV-protective products and clothing which can be co-branded with your logo.
- Invest in hands-free sunscreen dispensers for your worksites. We offer sunscreen dispensers that are weather-resistant, customizable, and ideal in a variety of settings around the workplace. They may be pole-mounted or mounted on a vertical surface, including trucks for mobile sun safety.
Meet Tom Whitney
Tom uses his experience to educate and inspire others on how important it is to get regular skin checks and to be diligent with protecting your skin, especially when you work outside.
