Workplace sun protection policies and employees' sun-related skin damage.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Skin Cancer Research Group, North Queensland Centre for Cancer Research, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville QLD, Australia. torresw@nwqphc.com.au
Torres
T
Woolley
John
J
Lowe
Beverly
B
Raasch
Margaret
M
Glasby
Petra G
PG
Buettner
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011793:Queensland; D011998:Recreation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017132:Workplace
D013473:Sunscreening Agents