Outdoor Workers Face Up to 3 Times Higher Skin Cancer Risk, Study Finds
Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- People working outdoors have a 2 to 3 times higher risk of skin cancer than those with indoor jobs.
- This finding comes from a review study by health researcher Els De Waegeneer at Ghent University, commissioned by Fedris.
- The study emphasizes the significant role employers play in implementing preventive measures.
Individuals who work outdoors face a substantially higher risk of developing skin cancer, with their chances being two to three times greater than those employed in indoor professions. This conclusion stems from a comprehensive review study conducted by Els De Waegeneer, a health researcher at Ghent University. The research was commissioned by Fedris, an organization focused on occupational risks.
De Waegeneer's findings highlight the critical importance of preventive actions in the workplace. She stresses that employers cannot underestimate their role in protecting workers from excessive sun exposure. The study suggests that proactive measures and awareness campaigns within companies are essential to mitigate this elevated health risk.
While the study identifies a clear link between outdoor work and skin cancer, it also points towards the employer's responsibility in safeguarding employee health. The emphasis on prevention suggests a need for better occupational health policies and practices to address the specific risks faced by outdoor workers.
The role of the employer in focusing on prevention should not be underestimated.
Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.