Are your workers practicing safe sun?

With summer in full swing, the folks at Sun Safety at Work Canada are reminding us that the sun is a workplace hazard. It can cause skin cancer, heat stress and eye damage – all conditions that are preventable.

Here are a few Sun Safety Facts:

• Each year there are over 80,000 new cases of skin cancer in Canada, making it the most diagnosed type of cancer. There are also over 1,500 deaths from skin cancer each year and rates are increasing.

• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (from sunlight, indoor tanning beds, or other artificial sources) can be harmful – for example it is the primary cause of skin cancer. Outdoor workers are up to 2.5 – 3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancers. Outdoor workers are also at risk for developing heat stress when working in the sun.

• There are over 1,500 deaths from skin cancer each year in Canada. Even if treated quickly, skin cancer requires surgery and leaves permanent scarring. The average melanoma patient loses 28 days of work per diagnosis.

• Heat stress can occur from sun exposure, your environment, and physical activity. Heat stress can lead to a range of serious health issues such as heat cramps, dizziness, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and sometimes it can lead to death.

For more Sun Safety Facts and resources, visit: https://sunsafetyatwork.ca/sun-safety-facts#fact-71

SOURCE Sun Safety at Work