Cancer Council and Target Tradies Tackle On-The-Job Skin Cancer Risks

Workers on construction sites receive five to 10 times more UV exposure every year compared to indoor workers.

Target Tradies and Cancer Council have announced the launch of a partnership to help educate Australian construction workers about the importance of being SunSmart at work.

With evidence showing that outdoor workers receive five to 10 times the amount of UV compared to indoor workers, the new initiative aims to remind tradies to take simple steps to reduce their skin cancer risk.

Target Tradies is a unique Australian company focussed on delivering specific messaging to tradies on the job, visiting over 600 sites a month across the country.

Over the past four years, they have posted dozens of campaigns for government, institutions and commercial companies.

Their latest pro-bono campaign supporting Cancer Council is rolling out across Australia and will include a series of new posters showcasing targeted sun protection messaging for outdoor workers.

The posters will remind trade workers to slip on a long-sleeved shirt, slop on SPF 30 or higher sunscreen slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses, as well as keep a close eye on their skin.

Cancer Council Australia National Skin Cancer Committee chair Heather Walker said outdoor workers need to use sun protection all year round.

“Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. The majority of skin cancers are caused by the sun’s UV radiation, so those who work outdoors are at significantly higher risk.

“We need to keep reminding Australian tradies that if you work outdoors, sun protection is an essential part of OH&S.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with Target Tradies to raise vital awareness about the risk of UV exposure on worksites across Australia.”

Target Tradies founder & director Michael Blumberg added, “There is a certain level of functional safety messaging that construction companies cover as part of their OH&S programs on site.

“However, these posters tend to lose their efficacy over time. Our research supports the need for regular updating of messaging, but more importantly also widening the content to cover other relevant issues around physical safety and the mental wellbeing of workers on the job.

“We are proud to be a supporter of Cancer Council as part of our CSR commitment and contribution to the construction industry and look forward to working with major construction companies to grow our footprint to cover 4000 sites in the future to be even more effective.”

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