Study Reveals The Importance of Sunscreen in Fighting Melanoma

Source: Pixabay.com

In a study conducted by the University of Sydney, it was revealed that Australians between 18 and 40 years old who used sunscreen regularly during their childhood had a reduced risk of developing melanoma by 40 per cent as compared with non-users.

The study shows that childhood and adulthood use of sun protection is crucial in the fight against melanoma and other skin diseases.

As construction workers we are likely to spend much of our day outdoors, in the harsh sun. It’s important that we always use sunscreen, even in Winter.

Sadly the macho culture of the industry has led to many people shunning the use of sunscreen. The study found in general females were more likely to use sunscreen or people who suffered sunburn. Even if we don’t immediately notice the effects of the sun, like sunburn, it’s important that we are protecting ourselves in the short and long term by using sunscreen daily and re-applying regularly.

Read more at http://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/07/world-first-study-reveals-sunscreen-reduces-melanoma-risk-40-percent-young-people/#.W3qIDbglE1l

Sun Exposure Still Putting Workers at Risk

Many employers aren’t providing their workers with the necessary sun protection despite the high rate of illnesses and diseases due to sun exposure.

The latest SHARC Report (Skin Health Australia Report Card) found that 2 million workers that work outdoors aren’t being provided with any sun protection by their employers. This is unacceptable.

It’s crucial that employers adopt sun safe practices and be aware of their duty of care to staff relating to sun protection.

Part of providing safe working conditions includes protecting workers from sun exposure, by providing protection such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved tops.

According to the report, 57 per cent of people surveyed said their employers failed to even supply them with sunscreen.

See more at http://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/01/report-shows-workers-still-exposed-risk-sun-damage/#.WmJN9TclE1l

Outdoor Workers Warned to Stay Safe in the Heat

Outdoor workers need to stay safe in the heat especially as the mercury climbs to extreme levels.

Scientists have warned that the combination of high temperatures and humidity are more dangerous than just high temperatures themselves.

According to US studies, heat waves are expected to become more common as the climate becomes warmer and humidity is also expected to intensify.

Over the next century the high humidity in many areas will increase significantly.

Outdoor workers should be particularly cautious. Employers need to ensure workers have the appropriate protection from the heat and humidity including scheduling outdoor work for the coolest times of the day and rotating workers. Workers also need to be provided with a cool, shaded area to take breaks and a clean, fresh water source so they can remain hydrated.Read more https://www.ecowatch.com/humidity-climate-change-2520059578.html

October breaks all Heat Records

If you had a feeling that October was hotter than usual, you are correct. According to the Bureau of Meteorology temperatures across Australia in October 2015 were higher than any other October on record.

construction workers
Source: www.123rf.com

As the weather is expected to continue to heat up, it is important that as outdoor workers we make sure we’re taking care of ourselves when working in the sun and heat.

Most importantly we need to stay hydrated and ensure we wear a sun hat when in the direct sun. It’s also important we rest often in the shade  and wear a high SPF sunblock.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/october-blew-away-heat-records-for-any-month-of-any-year-bureau-of-meteorology-20151102-gkoo51.html

The Risk of Developing Skin Cancer from Outdoor Work

(Photo: dream designs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

One of the major hazards associated with work outdoors is the possibility of developing skin cancer. Through numerous studies and extensive research into the subject, it has been established that Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. This is due to our position on the globe and the harmful rays of the sun that we are exposed to.

Because of Australia’s proximity to the equator it experiences some of the highest levels of solar UV radiation in the world. Its geographical position in the southern hemisphere, where the earth’s oval shaped orbit brings us closer to the sun in summer than countries in the northern hemisphere on similar latitudes. So particularly for Australians sun care is a major concern especially for construction workers who spend the majority of their time outdoors.

Some of the measures workers should take if they are exposed to the sun for extended periods of time are to take the appropriate precautions to avoid long term damage to the skin. This includes wearing appropriate PPE such as a wide brimmed hat, long sleeved, loose flowing shirt, sunglasses and sunscreen. Your sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher. Also wear long sleeves to protect the arms and sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive area around them. Administrative measures can also help such as rotating work schedules so that workers time in the sun is shared or taking breaks during hours when the sun is at its most intense.

 

 

Warning – Construction work Hazard: Exposure to the sun

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Researchers have found that Australia has the most number of people affected with skin cancer in the world. This is a particular concern for workers who spend a lot of time outdoors, such as construction workers. So how exactly do workers and employers manage this hazard?

Some practical measures to follow include:

  • Try to take regular breaks in the shade. Employers should provide temporary shade if there isn’t any natural shade. The sun is most harsh at midday so workers should take a break at this time and sit in the shade.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the sensitive area around your eyes. Some safety work glasses do provide sun protection.
  • Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours. Use lip balm with sunscreen because your lips are also exposed.
  • Always wear sun protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeves to protect your skin from the sun. These should be a loose fit to keep you cool.
  • Wear a hat to protect the face, ears and neck.

If outdoor workers comply with these guidelines and any others provided by their employer, the extent of sun damage can be minimised.

 

White Card Online News Update: Warning to Construction Workers

Hotter Summers a Risk to Your Health

Rising Summer temperatures pose a threat to the health and safety of Aussie workers, in particular workers who spend a great amount of time outdoors, such as construction workers. According to experts temperatures are set to triple over the next 10 years which could result in more fatalities due to dehydration, heat strokes and other heat related illnesses. Loss of concentration and impairment in judgement, especially in construction workers can have a devastating effect due to the risk involved in construction work.

An interesting post on SafetyCulture.com.au provided more information on the issue:

Australian workers are facing increased safety and health risks as summer becomes hotter, an expert warned.

According to a report by the Herald Sun, academics at the National Climate Change Adaptation Conference, which opened on Tuesday, said a review on workplace laws should be done as summers become hotter.

 Dr Elizabeth Hanna from the Australian National University’s centre for epidemiology and population health, said increasing summer temperatures were causing more heat-related health problems and fatalities, with many happening at work.

 “Australia really needs to start developing some adaptation options because what’s going to happen is we’re going to face that horrible question, ‘Do we down tools over summer or work until we’re dead?’” said Dr Hanna.

 She also said that days when temperatures reached more than 35C would triple over the next decade.

 “The problem is if you sweat up to maximum you become dehydrated, and dehydration has the double whammy – it impairs your mental ability and so people can have poor judgment, particularly if they’re using equipment and machinery and can increase accidents.

 The Herald Sun further reports that there are 1000 heat-related fatalities every year, and this figure is expected to increase.

 Dr Hanna is leading an ANU study to learn about industries and activities that are most susceptible to heat-related diseases.

Source: http://www.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/06/aussie-workers-face-greater-health-risks-as-summers-become-hotter/

Construction employers and workers need to pay more attention to health and safety outdoors as temperatures begin to rise. Employers should develop a strategy to deal with the increasing temperatures, so that workers are not too badly affected.

When working in extreme heat it is extremely important to guard yourself against heat related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, cramps etc. The risk involved with working in hot environments intensifies when high temperatures, high humidity and low air movement combine. Places with bad ventilation or confined areas are particularly susceptible to this.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated. To prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather. However working in construction, this may not always be possible, so managing the heat is the next practicable step.

When working in extreme heat:

  • Drink at least half a litre of water each hour, to replace the water lost during sweating. Dehydration is the biggest problem when working in the sun, so replace water lost through sweating to avoid this.
  • Wear the appropriate PPE (Personal protective wear), example long sleeve, loose fit shirts when working in the sun. Sunhats to protect the face and guard against sun stroke.
  • Ventilate the work area to provide a good flow of cool air. This is especially important where work processes generate heat such as machinery and equipment. In very hot environments, where there is no fresh air workers are likely to faint.
  • When working outdoors, skin cancer is a major hazard so make sure to wear the appropriate PPE and take the necessary precautions such as wearing a hat and applying sunscreen.
  • Take frequent rest breaks and relax in a shaded rest area. Employers should provide a place, out of the sun where workers can have lunch breaks and rest.
  • Employers should provide free access to cool drinking water so that workers can keep themselves hydrated
  • Employers should also encourage the removal of personal protective equipment when resting to help encourage heat loss.
  • Educate workers about recognizing the early symptoms of heat stress
  • For outdoors work, try to reschedule work to cooler times of the day. If this is not possible arrange workers in shifts so that the same workers are not in the sun the entire day.

Employers need to address the issue before it results in even more serious consequences such as illness, death or workers downing tools hampering productivity and affecting their bottom line even further.  

Posted by Steven Asnicar