Melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer often found on parts of the body overexposed to the sun. It can be present on other body parts as well. It is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in Australia and can take many years to develop after sun exposure, this can even be up to 40 years.
According to the Cancer Council some occupations pose a higher risk, simply due to the outdoor nature of the work. These occupations include: building and construction work, telecommunications, swimming pool and life guards, police and traffic officers, agricultural, farming and horticultural workers, landscape gardeners, fisheries workers, road workers, municipal employees, postal workers, dockyard and port or harbour workers, catering workers, outdoor events workers, PE teachers and other outdoor sports teachers and coaches, surveyors, forestry and logging workers, ski instructors and lift operators, mining and earth resources workers, taxi, bus, truck and delivery drivers and labour hire company workers.
The Cancer Council recommends the following preventative measures be employed during high UV exposure times (especially between 10am and 2pm):
Both employers and employees share the responsibility equally to reduce the risk of melanoma.
Employers should:
Employees should:
When checking for skin changes, you may require a hand-held mirror or seek someone’s assistance to check your neck, back, scalp and hard to access places.
The A.B.C.D of early detection are as follows:
It is also important to check for any changes in pre-existing freckles or moles, i.e. that may be growing, changing or becoming itchy. It may be helpful to photograph a spot over time to highlight any changes.
If there are any changes or you have concerns, please seek prompt medical advice.
If your work has caused or contributed to you developing melanoma disease or skin cancer, it is important that you receive the right advice.
Call the experienced workers compensation lawyers at Adviceline on (03) 9321 9988 to book your free appointment for independent, clear and practical guidance about how you can access compensation.
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