When you work outdoors in New Zealand, it is crucial that you protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UVA rays. If possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. To protect yourself even more, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You should reapply sunscreen every two hours or whenever you are outside. In addition, you should avoid working near water, snow, or sand because these surfaces can intensify the sun’s UVA rays.
Certain professions in New Zealand rank higher in terms of risk of skin cancer, such as agriculture, construction and movers, may increase the risk of skin cancer. These diseases cause millions of dollars in medical costs each year and greatly impact the productivity of the New Zealand workforce.
This is not a comprehensive list. However, there are many occupations that are at risk from sun exposure. Here are the most likely to develop skin cancer.
Agriculture workers
Agriculture workers are much like construction workers. They spend a lot of time in the sun and work for long periods under UV radiation. Living in the countryside may not only be beneficial for the job, but it could also increase the radiation exposure of agricultural workers to their work and what they do at home.
Construction workers
Construction workers and city movers such as Auckland movers spend a lot time outside, often on roads, moving furniture or scaffolding, or on roofs They are exposed to high levels of UV radiation daily, especially if they work between high-risk times such as 10am and noon.
Firefighters, police officers, and defense workers
Many firefighters, police officers, and defense workers work outdoors. This allows them to interact with the public and provide services. These professionals may be found walking between sheltered areas such as offices, homes, or the courts. It can be difficult for professionals to remember how much radiation they have been exposed to, and to properly protect themselves.
Office workers
This is a surprising fact, but indoor workers may be more at risk than the average person for developing skin cancer. Although indoor workers have a great view and get the sun in winter, they might be exposed to high levels of UV radiation from sitting near a window all day. Workers in offices are also more likely to be exposed to intense, short-term sun rays on weekends and holidays. This doubles the amount of UV radiation they may be absorbing at work.
Intermittent sun exposure is one of the major risk factors for developing Melanoma. Because they are indoors, they forget that UV exposure can still be harmful at work.
Because most skin cancers are preventable or curable when detected early, employers play an important role in protecting their workers. Employer-based sun-safety programs will not only improve health outcomes, but also save money. By emphasizing the importance of sun safety year-round, employers will be able to help their employees reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a major factor in the development of skin cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified ultraviolet radiation in the sun as a human carcinogen. Occupational UVR doubles the risk of basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell cancer. In addition, employees are exposed to the sun for several hours each day. Protective clothing can help minimize this exposure.
While people with a history of sunburn or excessive exposure to sunlight are at an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer, these types are also more likely to develop in people who work outside in climates with high amounts of sun exposure. In addition, individuals with fair skin are more susceptible to skin cancer, as their skin lacks the protective pigment called melanin. Darker skinned people have less exposure to the sun, so they are less likely to develop this type of cancer.
In addition to the environmental factors, the age you reach is another risk factor. The more years you spend outdoors, the greater the risk of developing melanoma. Exposure to UV radiation can also increase the risk of developing other types of cancer. Getting regular skin checks can detect melanoma in the early stages. In addition, the immune system can be suppressed, making it more susceptible to skin cancer.