“I’m always getting burnt”: WA workers’ experiences of sun protection in the workplace

During Safe Work Month 2023, Cancer Council WA conducted a survey of WA workers to assess their sun protection behaviours at work. A total of 511 WA adults who worked outdoors during daylight hours for at least one hour per day participated in the survey. Workers were from a range of industries, including mining, construction, health care and social assistance, and education and training. 

The full report can be accessed here

Actions taken by workers to reduce sun exposure when working outside during the day 

All workers reported which actions they took when working outside during the day. Less than half of workers reported that they always or usually wore sunscreen (47%), wore a broad-brimmed hat (41%), or stayed in the shade when working outdoors (47%). More than half of workers reported that they always or usually wore sunglasses (68%) and clothing that covered their arms and legs (54%) when working outdoors during the day.  

 Actions taken by employers to protect workers from sun exposure when working outside during the day 

Workers who were employed by an organisation or business (n=457, after excluding self-employed workers) reported which actions their employer took to protect them from UV exposure.  

 Nearly one quarter (24%) of workers said their employer does not do anything to reduce their UV exposure. Just over half (52%) of workers said their employer provides sunscreen when working outdoors during the day. Less than half of workers said their employer provides other sun protection equipment, such as clothing that cover their arms and legs (41%), a broad-brimmed hat (37%), or sunglasses (35%).  

Thoughts about sun protection at work 

Workers also described their thoughts about sun protection at work. Many workers felt that their employer should take more responsibility to protect workers from UV exposure at work, making comments stating that sun protection is “often disregarded as a hazard by management who spend most, if not all of their time indoors.”  

 Several respondents were concerned about the effect of UV exposure on their skin, with one noting that “I’m always getting burnt”, and another reporting that they had had several skin cancers removed.