Are workers or their workplaces the key to occupational sun protection?

Abstract

ISSUE ADDRESSED: High levels of sun exposure and skin cancer are experienced by outdoor workers. To develop effective preventive strategies it is important to understand which factors predict sun protection use. METHODS: Outdoor workers (n=74) in Central Otago, New Zealand, completed a questionnaire and recorded sun protection practices for five consecutive working days, January-March 2007. RESULTS: Sun protection was predicted by beliefs of personal susceptibility to skin cancer, suntan attitudes, and perceived workplace support, but not knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Both individual and workplace factors influence outdoor workers' sun protection.