Workers most at risk
Workers most at risk of suffering skin cancer and other sun or heat-related illness include:
- building and construction industry workers
- carpark attendants
- gardeners and ground maintenance staff
- fishing industry workers
- lifeguards
- outdoor council workers
- police officers
- pool attendants
- power line workers
- road workers
- roofers
- rural workers
- truck or delivery van drivers.
Within these industries, 'at risk' groups include:
- people with fair skin (especially those who freckle easily or tan poorly)
- people who have not acclimatised to the Queensland climate
- workers who are exposed to direct sunlight between 10am and 2pm
- workers who are exposed to water, construction materials, polished aluminium and grass (common reflectors)
- workers carrying out strenuous tasks or work that is sustained for long periods
- workers who are exposed to additional heat from machinery
- workers in northern parts of Queensland (This area is closer to the Equator and clear sky UV radiation levels are about one-third higher in Townsville than in Brisbane. Skin cancer rates in Brisbane are about four times that of areas south of Sydney).
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