Wear Sunscreen When Working Outside

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that more than 8,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. The most effective way for workers to protect themselves from contracting skin cancer is to practice sun safety when outdoors. Deb Group, owned by SC Johnson, commissioned a new survey, which was conducted online by Harris Poll among U.S. adults ages 18 and older who work outdoors at least half the time. The poll was to determine how often outdoor workers wear sunscreen at work. The study found that only 18 percent of outdoor workers always wear sunscreen at work.

How about your crew members?

“There are very real dangers associated with sun exposure that are often overlooked in the workplace,” Isabelle Faivre, vice president of marketing for Deb North America said. “Outdoor workers are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer and other ailments related to increased sun exposure. Organizations should educate outdoor workers on proper sun protection and provide sunscreen for use daily.”

The study found that more than half [58 percent] of outdoor workers responded that they always or sometimes see a need to wear sunscreen at work. However, 71 percent of outdoor workers responded that their employers don’t provide sunscreen to them for use at work. Perhaps that is why 59 percent of outdoor workers always or sometimes bring their own sunscreen to work.

Deb Group is campaigning to raise awareness of the risks associated with prolonged UV exposure to those who spend a significant amount of time outside as part of their jobs. Deb has a collection of educational materials for managers and employees to implement an effective sun safety program, including Deb’s Manager’s Guide—Be UV Aware: Protect Your Outdoor Workers. The guide provides information on the impact exposure to harmful UV rays during the work day can have on workers across a number of different industries and how to minimize the risk of sun exposure. Other campaign materials include an infographic, blog posts, posters and informative presentations.

Deb Group offers a range of UV protection creams to help prevent skin damage from UV rays, including its Deb Stoko Stokoderm Sun Protect Range, which is designed to protect against harmful UV-A and UV-B rays as well as the artificial UV-C rays created by industrial processes such as welding. The product can be dispensed from personal tubes or wall-mounted dispensers. To learn more or to request a free trial, visit info.debgroup.com/sun-home-us.

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Whose responsibility is it?

Members of the paving and pavement maintenance crew should be wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. Working around hot asphalt mix or liquid requires proper long-sleeved shirts, long pants, steel-toe boots, thermal gloves and more. Yet there are still patches of skin exposed to the sun all day long or in short periods of time throughout the day. Sunscreen is important. Is it the company’s responsibility to provide sunscreen in a dispenser at the shop? Or should each member of the crew take proactive steps to guard his or her own health? Let’s talk about it on the AsphaltPro facebook page. What’s your opinion to best safeguard each and every employee while safeguarding the bottom line?