WHO and ILO: Sun Exposure at Work a Major Factor in Skin Cancer Deaths

November 10, 2023

A significant and growing burden of non-melanoma skin cancer is affecting outdoor workers, with nearly one-third of non-melanoma skin cancer deaths attributed to working in the sun, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates released on November 8, 2023.

Occupational Risk and Cancer Deaths

Occupational exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation has been identified as the third-highest work-related risk factor contributing to cancer deaths globally. These estimates have been published in the journal Environment International.

Scope of Exposure

In 2019, approximately 1.6 billion people of working age (15 years and older) were exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation while working outdoors. This accounted for 28% of all working-age individuals. Tragically, in the same year, nearly 19,000 people in 183 countries lost their lives due to non-melanoma skin cancer resulting from outdoor work in the sun. Of these, 65% were men.

WHO’s Call for Action

The WHO has called for urgent action to protect workers engaged in hazardous outdoor work in the sun. Given that skin cancer typically develops after years, if not decades, of exposure, it is imperative to protect workers from solar ultraviolet radiation from a young age.

Government Responsibility

Governments are urged to establish, implement, and enforce policies and regulations aimed at safeguarding outdoor workers from sun-induced skin cancer. Strategies to protect workers include:

Providing Shade: Creating shaded areas in outdoor workspaces.
Adjusting Working Hours: Shifting work hours away from peak sun exposure times, especially during noon.
Education and Training: Offering education and training to raise awareness of the risks associated with occupational exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation.
Provision of Sunscreen: Supplying sunscreen and personal protective clothing, such as broad-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long trousers to outdoor workers.

Early Detection and Awareness

Measures to reduce skin cancer risks also involve increasing workers’ awareness of when they are exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation and its connection to skin cancer. Additionally, providing services and programs for the early detection of skin cancer is essential.

Ultraviolet Index and Protective Measures

The WHO emphasizes that when the ultraviolet index (a scale that rates the amount of skin-damaging ultraviolet radiation) reaches three or higher, protective measures should be implemented.

SunSmart Global UV Application

To help outdoor workers estimate their exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation, a SunSmart Global UV Application has been recently launched by WHO, ILO, the World Meteorological Organization, and the United Nations Environment Programme. This tool empowers workers to make informed decisions regarding sun exposure during their work activities.

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