Sun exposure at work - a $38 million burn for employers

Cancer Council says a new report, which has calculated the cost of sun damage at work to Australian employers, should sound alarm bells for businesses with outdoor workers.

The Occupational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation report, produced by Cancer Council in Western Australia, found 1360 workers compensation claims for sun related injury or disease were made in Australia between 2000-2009, at a total cost of $38.4 million to employers.

The report highlights how sun exposure at work is becoming increasingly recognised in the courts and the number and cost of claims is increasing over time. The report shows that total payments for skin cancer claims doubled from $2 million in 2001-02 to $4 million in 2008-09.

"This report is a stark reminder to employers that their duty of care extends to protecting workers from over-exposure to the sun and that UV radiation is a known cause of injury and disease," said Terry Slevin, Chair of Cancer Council Australia's Occupational and Environmental Cancer Risk Committee.

"The important message for employers is that all of the cost, stress and pain associated with these claims can be avoided.

"My advice to anyone who employs people to work outdoors is to develop and institute sun protection policies and procedures as a priority, or be prepared to face the legal and financial consequences down the track."

"It is also worth reflecting that the amount paid in compensation exceeds the amount spend on public education campaigns on sun protection in the same period. That highlights the need for greater investment in skin cancer prevention in Australia – where we still have the highest rates in the world."

Of the claims made by workers between 2000-2009, the typical payment was around $12,000.

In one case study from 2006, a Sydney waterside worker who spent 90 per cent of his workday outside without sun protective clothing or sunscreen, developed skin cancer which severely disfigured his face and body. He was awarded $60,000 for permanent impairment and $5,000 for pain, suffering and costs.

"It's now blatantly clear that employers who fail to put measures in place to protect their workers from sun exposure will face greater risks of compensation claims," said Mr Slevin.

Around 34% of Australian workers are exposed to direct sunlight during working hours and it is estimated that around 200 melanomas and 34,000 non melanoma skin cancers per year can be attributed to occupational exposures to UV radiation.

"There is now considerable legal precedent recognising claims for skin cancer caused by sun exposure in the workplace and the evidence is that claims will continue to rise," Mr Slevin said.

(Source: Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association (AHHA))

More information

For more information on skin cancer including common types of skin cancers, and its treatment and preventative measures, as well as some useful videos, see Skin Cancer.

For more information on health in the workplace, including office ergonomics, the effect of work on health, and maintaining a good work–life balance, see Workplace Health.