Two-thirds of Australians will develop skin cancer before 70, with outdoor workers and tradies among those at greatest risk, according to new research.
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The research by global technology company SafetyCulture highlights the growing problem of adequate sun protection on job sites in Australia.
Australia leads the world for rates of melanoma, which is often called Australia's "national cancer".
Melanoma is the most common cancer for people aged between 20 and 39, and rates are increasing for people over 60.
Regional Australians are at greater risk of melanoma and skin cancer than their city counterparts.
The new research of around 1000 Australian outdoor workers found that tradies are most at risk. More than 60% are willing to skip vital measures and almost half, 45%, admitted to suffering sunburns at work in the past year.
Workers forget to protect
The survey also revealed that almost one in five tradies don't believe their employer is proactive in providing access to proper PPE for working outdoors, with nearly 30% saying their employers don't offer any form of sun protection gear.
At the heart of the problem is the fact the majority of outdoor workers (64%) say they simply forget to use sun protection at work.
However, the survey also found that they would prioritise things like grabbing a coffee (33%), hitting the gym (26%), or grabbing a schooner (23%) instead of applying sunscreen at work.
The Block host and SafetyCulture ambassador Scott Cam acknowledged working outside "can be a tough gig".
"You're constantly juggling a range of situations and different environments, so it's easy for something like sunscreen to fall to the bottom of the priority list," he said.
But he warned workers to prioritise sun safety otherwise it can "catch up with you in the long run".
"The Aussie sun has a sting to it pretty much all year round, so if you haven't got a tube in the toolbox or a big sunscreen pump on-site, then now's the perfect reminder to go out and grab one," he said.
The survey also found that only a quarter of those working outdoors believe their employer has clear and enforced policies around sun protection.
SafetyCulture is providing businesses free safety resources to download and customise to protect their workers.
Carla Mascarenhas
Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in Sydney. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in Sydney. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
