Resources for Employers of Outdoor Workers

UV Skin Damage a Major Concern for Outdoor Workers

With cases of skin cancer rising over 10% annually, safety for employees who work outdoors should no longer be limited to items like hard hats, steel-toed shoes, or safety harnesses. Over 3 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2018. Of these cases, over 100,000 will be MELANOMA — the most deadly form of skin cancer — leading to as many as 10,000 deaths in the U.S. The fact that over 90% of skin cancers can be directly attributed to sun exposure, protection from the sun is becoming a big safety concern, as well as a liability issue for employers.

Employer Workman's Comp Liability

Employees are beginning to sue their employers for skin cancer benefits, thereby increasing an employer’s workers compensation premiums. In California, lifeguards who develop skin cancer during the period of their employment with public agencies or the California Department of Parks and Recreation are now eligible for workers’ compensation. (California Labor Code, Section 3212.11). The average annual cost for skin cancer treatment in the U.S. increased from $3.6 billion during 2002-2006, to $8.1 billion during 2007-2011, an increase in costs of 126 percent. The average annual cost for treatment of all other cancers increased by just 25 percent during the same time period. As these numbers continue to climb, it will only be a matter of time before more employers will see REAL COSTS associated with skin cancer risk for their outdoor workers.

The Best Sun Safety Solution for Employers

One of the biggest hurdles in any employer sun safety program is how to make dispensing sunscreen to employees both convenient and economical. Coral Isles Sunscreen solves both these challenges with our bulk sunscreen program specifically designed for: Life Guards / Swimming Pools; Golf Course Maintenance; Construction Workers; Cities and Municipalities; Highway Departments; and Child Care Centers.

Aids for Creating a Sun-Safe Workplace

Employers are encouraged to take a proactive approach to sun safety by combining sunscreen use with protective clothing, training, and workplace policies. Leading health and safety organizations agree that protecting outdoor workers from UV exposure is a critical part of maintaining a safe and productive workforce.

OSHA GUIDELINES:

  • Covers employer responsibilities and protective measures
  • Includes sunscreen, PPE, and exposure reduction guidance
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CDC GUIDELINES:

  • Recommends SPF 15+, reapplication, and protective gear
  • Focused specifically on workplace exposure and prevention
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SKIN CANCER FOUNDATION:

  • Provides important facts every Outdoor Worker should know
  • Emphasis on protective measures and early detection
  • Informative video and download the Outdoor Workers PDF
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Sun Safety in the Workplace is Our Specialty

For over 30 years, we've been the leader in bulk sunscreen. Bulk sunscreen offers many benefits to today’s employer of outdoor workers.

  • Bulk sunscreen saves application time.
  • Gallon sunscreen pump dispensers refill our smaller, 2 and 6-ounce bottles so workers may reapply throughout the workday.
  • Gallon sunscreen pump dispensers remain in the locker room to remind the worker to apply sunscreen early in the morning and to refill the smaller, personal size bottles as needed.

  • Bulk sunscreen provides a healthy alternative for your outdoor workforce rather than simply allowing them to develop skin cancer—not to mention the savings on worker's compensation premiums. Our gallon sunscreen pump dispenser is designed specifically to give the employer a simple, cost-effective alternative to help prevent skin cancer.
  • Helps support OSHA-aligned safety practices for outdoor work environments with prolonged sun exposure.
  • Minimizes downtime and fatigue caused by sunburn and overexposure, keeping crews working efficiently throughout the day.