New Cancer Council WA campaign aims to protect outdoor workers from UV exposure

Cancer Council WA has launched a new campaign urging outdoor workers to make sun protection part of their daily routine, with research1 showing they face up to 10 times more ultraviolet (UV) exposure than indoor workers and are at significantly higher risk of skin cancer.

 

Cancer Council WA SunSmart Manager, Sally Blane, said the campaign, titled ‘Change your routine before skin cancer changes it for you’, aims to raise awareness of the dangers of workplace UV exposure and encourage outdoor workers to take simple protective steps.

“The workplace is a major source of UV radiation for many Australians. It’s estimated that around 2002 melanomas and 34,000 other skin cancers diagnosed each year are the direct result of UV exposure on the job,” Ms Blane said.

“With October being National Safe Work Month, and with 22 per cent of Australians exposed to UV at work, this is the perfect time to highlight the importance of sun safety as part of workplace safety.”

A recent Cancer Council WA study of outdoor workers found that while most take some protective measures, significant gaps in protection remain.

“The most common action taken was wearing sunglasses (68 per cent), but only 41 per cent reported wearing a broad-brimmed hat,” she said.

“We urge employers and workers alike to prioritise sun safety.

“You wouldn’t send workers onsite without a hard hat or steel-capped boots and sun protection should be treated the same way.

“To reduce UV exposure, we recommend sunglasses, long-sleeved clothing, sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, and staying in the shade wherever possible.”

The campaign, originally developed by the Cancer Institute NSW and licensed for use in WA, will run on YouTube and social media through to March 2026. It will primarily target men aged 18–55, particularly those over 40, working in industries such as construction and agriculture.