Cancer CouncilWorkplace sun-related injuries and disease have cost Australian workplaces $63 million in compensation payments over the last decade.

Australia is renowned for its sunny weather and naturally we love it, but it does have its down side. It is estimated that approximately 200 melanomas and 34,000 other skin cancers every year are due to occupational exposure to UV. You see, by the very nature of their job, outdoor workers receive up to 10 times more exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thus placing them at significantly higher risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

The Cancer Council of Victoria runs SunSmart interactive education sessions for workplaces across Victoria to help educate organisations and their workers about the harmful effects of UV radiation. All sessions are delivered by trained educators and include an overview of skin cancer and UV-related injuries, practical solutions to reduce UV risk in the workplace, a guide to skin checks, and the optional inclusion of a skin scanner that reveals hidden UV damage.

To book, or for more information, contact SunSmart on (03) 9514 6419 or email sunsmartworkplace@cancervic.org.au or visit http://www.sunsmart.com.au/work

Even if you don’t live in Victoria, visit this website. It contains useful information that you can download on being sun smart.

All the best – Liz