The Cancer Council SA is targeting outdoor workers during National Skin Cancer ActionWeek calling on them to protect their skin to reduce the risk of cancer.

“An estimated 120,000 South Australian employees and contractors work outdoors, and face an increased risk of developing skin cancer,” she said.

“UV radiation is a known carcinogen. We need workers and employers to understand that the sun is potentially as deadly as toxic chemicals or heavy machinery.

“Outdoor workers have died from skin cancer caused by their sun exposure at work. No one should have to risk their life for work.”

Associate Professor Wilson said the incidence of melanoma had increased in South Australia during the past 20 years, but there had been a greater rate of increase among outdoor workers particularly farmers and labourers.

“My mum spotted an unusual spot on my lower back where I would get burnt when bending over doing jobs on the farm. She told me to go to the doctor. I was just in absolute shock when diagnosed and very frightened. I just kept thinking, I was too young.

“My melanoma was cut out, but I had to go back for a second operation because they didn’t get it all.

“The oncologist said he had caught it just as it was about to spread. He said this was my wakeup call, I wasn’t going to get a second chance.”

Adelaide physical education teacher Adrian Martin, 50, loves his sport, with much of his work and recreation time spent outdoors.

He was diagnosed with the potentially deadly squamous cell carcinoma when he was 40.

“I am particularly good about making sure I cover up now and when it’s a particularly high UV day, to have sport in the shade or in the gym.”

Associate professor Wilson said outdoor workers should wear light-weight, long sleeve tops and long pants, a hat and sunglasses whenever out doors.

“Applying SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen is also important, but workers often forget to reapply regularly simply because they are so focussed on their jobs at hand. So we recommend covering as much skin as possible with clothing.”

Head of Dermatology at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Dr Cathy Reid said an increasing number of outdoor workers were ending up in her clinic.

"The hazard is known and the controls obvious. We know how to prevent skin cancer, and therefore there is no reason that outdoor workers should be in more danger of developing skin cancer than others who work indoors,” she said.

· Risk assessment of the UV exposure to all employees

· The introduction and maintenance of sun protection control measures

· Training employees to work safely in the sun

· A written sun protection policy

· A process to determine the effectiveness of the program and identify changes that may further reduce exposure

Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are tax deductible if they are needed for protection at work.

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