Workplace sun protection policies and employees' sun-related skin damage

Am J Health Behav. 2008 Mar-Apr;32(2):201-8. doi: 10.5555/ajhb.2008.32.2.201.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate whether mandatory sun protection for outdoor workers in tropical regions is associated with reduced sun damage.

Methods: Survey of 26 employees working under mandatory sun protection policy was compared to survey of 21 employees working under voluntary sun protection policy.

Results: Voluntary sun protection associated with employees having more solar keratoses on dorsum of right hand (P=0.006) and more previously excised self-reported skin cancers (P=0.008).

Conclusions: Employees working under mandatory sun protection policy had reduced sun damage, a likely consequence of less sun exposure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / prevention & control*
  • Hand Dermatoses / prevention & control
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Policy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Queensland
  • Recreation
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Sunscreening Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*
  • Workplace*

Substances

  • Sunscreening Agents