A significant and growing burden of non-melanoma skin cancer is affecting outdoor workers, with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization reporting that approximately one-third of deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer are caused by exposure to sunlight. I have to work. Occupational exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation has been identified as the third largest work-related risk factor contributing to cancer deaths globally. These estimates have been published in the Environment International Journal.
Scope of exposure
- In 2019, approximately 1.6 billion people of working age (15 years and older) were exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation while working outdoors.
- This is 28% of all persons of working age. Tragically, that same year, approximately 19,000 people in 183 countries lost their lives to non-melanoma skin cancer caused by working outside in the sun. Of these, 65% were men.
WHO’s call for action
- WHO has called for urgent action to protect workers engaged in dangerous outdoor work in the sun.
- Given that skin cancer typically develops after years, if not decades, of exposure, it is important to protect workers from solar ultraviolet radiation from an early age.
- Governments have been urged to establish, implement and enforce policies and regulations aimed at protecting outdoor workers from skin cancer caused by sunlight.
Worker safety strategies include
- Providing shade: Creating shaded areas in outdoor workplaces.
- Adjusting working hours: Shifting working hours away from peak sunlight hours, especially during the afternoon.
- Education and Training: To offer education and training to increase awareness of the risks associated with occupational exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation.
- Provision of sunscreen: Supplying outdoor workers with sunscreen and personal protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeve shirts, and long trousers.