Press release
Wednesday, May 7, 2008

If you work outdoors, you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer because you regularly are exposed to the sun for longer periods of time.
Often this exposure happens during those times of day when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are at their strongest (between noon and 2 p.m.)

The Northwestern Health Unit is focusing on sun safety for outdoor workers during its 2008 Sun Safety Awareness Campaign.
Outdoor workers need to be aware that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canada, and the main cause is exposure to the ultraviolet rays (UVR) from the sun.
Not only do direct UV rays from the sun cause skin damage, but the reflection off surfaces such as water, sand, rocks, cement, and pavement increases the strength of the UVR.
Fortunately, outdoor workers can reduce their risk by:
•trying to limit the amount of time that they work outdoors in the direct sunlight, particularly between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.;
•seeking shade from buildings, trees, and canopies as much as possible especially during lunch and coffee breaks;
•covering up as much exposed skin as possible, making sure that clothing is loose and comfortable;
•wearing a wide-brimmed hat or hard hat with a neck flap and visor; and
•applying sunscreen and lip screen with SPF 30 to exposed skin areas before going outside, and re-applying every two hours or more frequently if perspiring.
“The good news is that skin cancer is largely preventable,” said Joanne Peacock, a health promoter with the Northwestern Health Unit.
“Employers can help protect outdoor workers by developing and implementing a sun safety policy,” she added.
For more information on sun protective measures for outdoor workers, contact your local Northwestern Health Unit office or visit www.nwohealthworks.org