WORKERS who cannot avoid exposure to the sun in the course of their work should take measures to stave off the risk of skin cancer, according to WorkSafe WA.
Australians have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. One case is treated every one and a half minutes. 1600 Australians die each year from the disease, and prevention is always better than cure.
According to the authority, people whose jobs involve a lot of time in the sun are at high risk of developing skin cancers, and employers have a responsibility for minimising hazards in the workplace.
Under occupational safety and health laws, employers have a duty of care to provide systems of work, information, training and personal protective clothing and equipment so employees are not exposed to hazards.
Employers should consult with occupational health and safety representatives and employees to identify sun exposure hazards. They should supply personal protective equipment such as long sleeves, enclosed footwear, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Sunscreen should be layered on thickly to clean, dry skin and renewed every two hours or more frequently if a worker is sweating profusely.
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