Protecting New Zealand builders from skin cancer

Being a builder increases your risk of our most common cancer. Research has found that anyone working outdoors, including builders, are exposed to UV radiation from the sun far in excess of recommended levels. Despite this, builders may not be taking simple measures to protect themselves

Skin cancer is New Zealand’s most common cancer and, along with Australia, our rates are the highest in the world. The good news is that skin cancer is preventable! We know that over 90% of skin cancers are related to overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. The Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) classifies UV radiation as a workplace hazard, and workplaces have a duty of care and legal responsibility to minimise staff exposure. Many construction workers may not think of UV radiation as a cancer-causing agent when compared to the likes of tobacco smoke, silica and diesel fumes. Just because you can’t see, smell or feel UV radiation as heat doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. Damage can happen on cool, cloudy or windy days, and it can be hard to know when your skin is being damaged until it is too late. It is not just sunburn you need to look out for as damage from UV radiation to your skin and eyes builds up over time. Michael Lowe, a self-proclaimed 40-year-old stubbie-wearing tradie with a tan, was diagnosed with skin cancer after ignoring a mole for 10 years. “I thought people couldn’t die from a melanoma so I wasn’t worried” said Mike. Sun protection is needed when UV levels are 3 and above. This is typically from 10am to 4pm during daylight saving months (September to April) but varies across the country. For many parts of the North Island, protection will be required for longer. You can download the FREE UVNZ smartphone app to

monitor the UVI levels in your workplace. Employers can help by: • Enforcing a SunSmart policy. • Reducing amount of time workers spend outdoors, particularly in the middle of the day (for example provide shade during lunch breaks). • Providing and maintaining sun protective equipment, such as shade, hats and shirts that cover shoulders.

Providing sunscreen is important but keep it cool.

If leaving it in vehicles put it in a chilli bin with a cool pack. • Providing information and training around sun protection practices.

Employees can: • Slip into the shade on your breaks and into sun protective clothing. The more skin that’s covered the better – think collars, longer sleeves and longer shorts. • Slop on plenty of broad-spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen and reapply it at least every two hours. • Slap on a hat with a wide brim or a cap with flaps. • Wrap on sunnies (wrap-around style are best). It’s important that people check their skin. Look out for new or unusual freckles, moles, sun-spots or sores that will not heal, and spots that have changed colour, shape, size, or look different from other spots. See a doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these skin changes. Early medical advice and treatment can save your life.

Let’s build a sun protective culture in the workplace and create a future with less skin cancer.

For more information on being SunSmart, to find out what support we offer and how to get involved or support us go to www.cancernz.org.nz.

To download a sample workplace sun protection policy go to https://central-districts.cancernz.org.nz/assets/ Sunsmart/Workplaces/Outdoorworker-Policyform30April2012.pdf

The Cancer Society is a non-profit organisation committed to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in communities across New Zealand. Addressing cancer inequity is a key focus for our work. Our activities include cancer prevention, supportive care, provision of information and resources, and the funding of research. We work closely with our volunteers who play an important role in delivering our services.