Deb USA, a part of Deb Group, the away-from-home skin care company, has launched a Sun Protection At Work Campaign to educate employers on how to minimize the risk of sun for their outdoor workers.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in United States, with over 81,220 new melanoma and non-melanoma cases diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Outdoor workers have a higher than average risk of skin cancer, due to the amount of time they spend in the sun as part of their occupation. That’s why it is important that the employer take responsibility to advise employees of the dangers of working in the sun.
 
There are many industries where sun protection is important including; construction, natural resources, horticultural and forestry, public sector, telecommunications, postal workers, maritime sector, and road workers.

Having a good understanding of the protection that sunscreens offer is essential. Sunscreens of at least SPF 30 are recommended by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), to protect against the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB), or burning, rays. The product should also protect against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays which penetrate more deeply into skin and are responsible for premature aging and contribute to the development of skin cancer. Look for sunscreens that are labelled “broad-spectrum” to protect against both.
 
Employers who have outdoor workers are encouraged to download Deb's Manager's Guide and Poster for Skin Care At Work: Sun Protection for Workers. The guide provides guidelines on how to minimize outdoor worker's risk of sun exposure, including, how and when to apply sunscreen, when to take breaks and how to stay properly hydrated. It also provides an aid to early detection of skin cancer and when to seek medical advice.
 
To download the guide or to learn more about Deb's summer campaign, click here.