Reducing ultraviolet radiation exposure among outdoor workers: state of the evidence and recommendations.
OBJECTIVE
Outdoor workers have high levels of exposure to ultraviolet radiation and the associated increased risk of skin cancer. This paper describes a review of: 1) descriptive data about outdoor workers' sun exposure and protection and related knowledge, attitudes, and policies and 2) evidence about the effectiveness of skin cancer prevention interventions in outdoor workplaces.


METHODS
Systematic evidence-based review.


RESULTS
We found variable preventive practices, with men more likely to wear hats and protective clothing and women more likely to use sunscreen. Few data document education and prevention policies.


CONCLUSIONS
Reports of interventions to promote sun-safe practices and environments provide encouraging results, but yield insufficient evidence to recommend current strategies as effective. Additional efforts should focus on increasing sun protection policies and education programs in workplaces and evaluating whether they improve the health behavior of outdoor workers.
Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. kglanz@sph.emory.edu
Karen
K
Glanz
David B
DB
Buller
Mona
M
Saraiya
D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016134:Organizational Policy; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000592:standards / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D013473:Sunscreening Agents