Safety and Health at Work

Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (산업안전보건연구원)
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Tailored Sun Safety Messages for Outdoor Workers

  • Sajjad S. Fazel (Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary) ;
  • Shelby Fenton (Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary) ;
  • Nicole Braun (Saskatchewan Cancer Agency) ;
  • Lindsay Forsman-Phillips (CAREX Canada, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia) ;
  • D. Linn Holness (Occupational Medicine Division, St. Michael's Hospital) ;
  • Sunil Kalia (BC Cancer) ;
  • Victoria H. Arrandale (Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto) ;
  • Thomas Tenkate (School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University) ;
  • Cheryl E. Peters (Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary)
  • Received : 2022.08.09
  • Accepted : 2023.01.09
  • Published : 2023.03.30
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Abstract

Background: Messaging surrounding skin cancer prevention has previously focused on the general public and emphasized how or when activities should be undertaken to reduce solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Generic messages may not be applicable to all settings, and should be tailored to protect unique and/or highly susceptible subpopulations, such as outdoor workers. The primary objective of this study was to develop a set of tailored, practical, harm-reducing sun safety messages that will better support outdoor workers and their employers in reducing the risk of solar UVR exposure and UVR-related occupational illnesses. Methods: We adapted a core set of sun safety messages previously developed for the general population to be more applicable and actionable by outdoor workers and their employers. This study used an integrated knowledge translation approach and a modified Delphi method (which uses a survey-based consensus process) to tailor the established set of sun safety messages for use for outdoor worker populations. Results: The tailored messages were created with a consideration for what is feasible for outdoor workers, and provide users with key facts, recommendations, and tips related to preventing skin cancer, eye damage, and heat stress, specifically when working outdoors. Conclusion: The resulting tailored messages are a set of evidence-based, expert- approved, and stakeholder-workshopped messages that can be used in a variety of work settings as part of an exposure control plan for employers with outdoor workers.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank all of the key informants who participated in the study for their time and valuable insights.

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