Skin cancer

Many workers have worked outdoors for substantial proportions of their working life, especially in the waterfront, seafaring, transport, municipal council, agricultural, mining, construction, and manufacturing industries.

Their exposure to sunlight in this regard will often cause various types of skin cancers to emerge, often many years after the conclusion of their working lives.

The first warning sign is often a small scabby spot, which does not clear after a few weeks. Look for changed or newly formed moles, or any skin discolouration. You should pay particular attention to any growths which appear on the face, especially around the nose or eyes, or on the back of hands; you should show your doctor any moles which change in size, colour, shape or bleed.

These skin cancers affect tens of thousands of Australians every year and the consequences can have devastating effects on both work and family life.