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Skin cancer is by far the most common form of cancer and too much exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases the risk of skin cancer. However, according to a 2016 survey Deb Group commissioned, 71 percent of outdoor workers are not provided sunscreen by their employer’s to use at work.
A new survey commissioned by Deb Group, and conducted online by Harris Poll among 2,057 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, examines the public’s opinions on sunscreen at businesses. The study found that 74 percent of Americans believe businesses with outdoor workers (ground care and window washers, for example) should provide sunscreen for their employees to use while at work.
“Outdoor workers naturally spend more time exposed to UV radiation, putting them at greater risk of sun damage and the potential of developing skin cancers,” said Isabelle Faivre, Vice President of Marketing, Deb North America. “Unfortunately, the dangers of skin cancer in the workplace have often been neglected. Employers have an obligation to minimize the risk of harm to employees. Providing and encouraging sun protection for outdoor workers can help create a healthy and safe workplace.”
Every year, Americans lose more than $100 million in productivity because of restricted activity or absence from work due to skin cancer. Most skin cancers are preventable when best practice is followed, which includes wearing sunscreen when the UV index is three or higher. The 2017 survey also found that beyond the workplace, more than a third of Americans (35 percent) believe that outdoor public facilities, such as public pools and amusement parks, should provide sunscreen for public use.
On average, by enduring more than five sunburns a person doubles their risk for developing melanoma. Deb Group is proactively campaigning to raise awareness of the risks associated with prolonged UV exposure to workers who spend a significant amount of time outside. As part of its Be UV Aware campaign, Deb offers an Outdoor Workers’ Guide to help employers implement a suitable and successful sun safety policy to protect its workers.