Tradies targeted in cancer campaign

It probably comes as no surprise but workers on construction sites receive five to 10 times more UV exposure every year compared to indoor workers, according to the Cancer Council.

For this reason, the council has partnered up with tradie communications organisation, Target Tradies, to launch a campaign to educate Australian construction workers on the importance of being sun smart at work.

The pro bono campaign is rolling out across Australia and will include a series of new posters showcasing targeted sun protection messaging for outdoor workers. The posters will remind trade workers to slip on a long-sleeved shirt, slop on SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses, as well as keep a close eye on their skin.

Chair of Cancer Council Australia’s National Skin Cancer Committee, Heather Walker, said outdoor workers need to use sun protection all year round, even in the cooler months.

“Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. The majority of skin cancers are caused by the sun’s UV radiation, so those who work outdoors are at significantly higher risk,” she said.

“We need to keep reminding Australian tradies that if you work outdoors, sun protection is an essential part of OH&S.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with Target Tradies to raise vital awareness about the risk of UV exposure on worksites across Australia.”

Founder & Director of Target Tradies, Michael Blumberg, said constant reminders and regular updating of messaging are needed to enforce the importance of sun protection to tradies.

“There is a certain level of functional safety messaging that construction companies cover as part of their OH&S programs on site, however, these posters tend to lose their efficacy over time,” he said.

“Our research supports the need for regular updating of messaging, but more importantly also widening the content to cover other relevant issues around physical safety and the mental wellbeing of workers on the job.”

Target Tradies is an organisation focused on delivering specific messages to tradies on the job and visits over 600 sites a month across the country to spread awareness on a variety of issues. Over the years, the company has posted dozens of campaigns for government, institutions and commercial companies.

“We are proud to be a supporter of Cancer Council as part of our CSR commitment and contribution to the construction industry and look forward to working with major construction companies to grow our footprint to cover 4000 sites in the future to be even more effective.”