Why sun screen needs to be part of construction PPE

Why Wearing Sunscreen, IS CRUTIAL for Construction Workers in Australia

Working in the construction industry can be tough, especially when you're out in the sun for hours on end. The harsh Australian sun can not only cause sunburn but also increase your risk of skin cancer.

In fact, Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and construction workers are particularly vulnerable due to their prolonged sun exposure.

According to the Cancer Council, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they reach the age of 70.

This is particularly concerning for construction workers who spend a lot of time working outside and are exposed to UV radiation for extended periods of time. research shows that construction workers are at a significantly higher risk of developing skin cancer than those in other occupations.

Here are some statistics related to skin cancer in Australia:

  • Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with over 750,000 people treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers each year.
  • In 2022, it was estimated that over 17,750 new cases of melanoma skin cancer will be diagnosed in Australia, with over 1,800 deaths from the disease.
  • Construction workers have a 39% higher risk of developing skin cancer than those in other industries.

Given these statistics, it's clear that taking steps to protect your skin while working in the construction industry is crucial.

Wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Here is 5 things you can do to help reduce your exposure to sun & UV rays whilst working in the construction industry down under:

  1. Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF: Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and make sure it provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
  2. Apply sunscreen liberally: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, and be sure to reapply every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.
  3. Wear protective clothing: Wearing a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and pants can also help protect your skin from the sun.
  4. Seek shade: Whenever possible, try to work in the shade or take breaks in a shaded area.
  5. Get regular skin checks: It's important to get regular skin checks to catch any potential skin cancers early, when they're easier to treat.

wearing sunscreen is a crucial step for construction workers in Australia to protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun. By being sensible and following a few simple simple steps, workers can significantly reduce their risk of skin cancer and stay healthy to enjoy there life with family and friends outside of work.