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September 9th, 2010 |
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 For more information about Prince Edward Island, Canada, consult the Government of PEI website. |
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WCB and the Canadian Cancer Society Issue Sun Safety Message for Workers
National Sun Awareness Week is May 29 to June 4, 2006 and the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) and the PEI division of the Canadian Cancer Society are cautioning workers about the dangers of sun exposure and skin cancer through the release of a Prevention Update on sun safety. George Stewart, Director of Occupational Health and Safety for the Workers Compensation Board, said “It is important that workers take precautions when working outdoors to avoid excessive sun exposure. The fact is that PEI has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in Canada. Workers can protect themselves by wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 when working outdoors; wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and tightly woven, loose fitting clothing; and, when possible, reducing sun exposure during the sun’s peak hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.” According to Holly Smith, Director of Programs for the Canadian Cancer Society, P.E.I. division, “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada, accounting for about one third of all newly diagnosed cancers.” She stressed “if you work outdoors, or spend a lot of time outside, you are at greater risk because the damage caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays is cumulative. The good news is that 90 percent of skin cancers can be prevented, however, prevention requires a comprehensive approach.” Smith explained that policies and guidelines that promote sun safety, combined with individual actions to limit sun exposure, offer the greatest impact against the development of skin cancer. “When it comes to the sun, a little goes a long way. While small amounts of sun provide us with Vitamin D, very little is needed. It’s important that we are properly protected to reduce our risk of skin cancer,” said Smith. “Working with the Workers Compensation Board is one way for us to collaborate to get this important message out. However, we are also doing work in policy development, public awareness and shade.” The Prevention Update on sun safety, which includes simple sun safety tips for outdoor workers, will be sent to the WCB stakeholder contact list which includes safety committees, employer and worker associations, municipalities, golf courses and farm operations. As part of the requirements for her Masters of Nursing at Dalhousie University, Beth Hennessey, of Charlottetown, developed the sun safety tips in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society and the WCB. “My policy development on sun safety and skin cancer includes awareness, guidelines and policy components, and further work will be completed in the months to come,” said Hennessey. Reduce your risk:
George MacDonald, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board, said “It is a pleasure to work with the PEI division of the Canadian Cancer Society to raise awareness about the important issue of sun safety. By working together we can foster a culture of prevention on Prince Edward Island.” For a copy of the Prevention Update on sun safety for your workplace, please call toll free 1-800-237-5049. The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization whose mission is to eradicate cancer and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit www.cancer.ca or call our toll free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333. For more information, contact: Jolene Titus Mark Barrett |
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| Government of PEI, Canada. |