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Artificial Tanning
“We’ve had two employees with skin cancer this year!”
At a recent cancer event, I was approached by the owner of a company. She explained that two of her co-workers had recently been diagnosed with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. The two employees frequently used tanning beds. Her question was “How can I raise awareness of the dangers of tanning bed use?
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada. Tanning bed use increases the risk of developing melanoma-the most fatal type of skin cancer. Tanned skin is damaged skin.
"What can a workplace do? Tips for workplaces who want to prevent employees from tanning.
Raise awareness
View tanning as a health issue. If you are planning a health fair, include information on artificial tanning and skin cancer. Choose a health club to come to your fair to promote physical activity not tanning booths. Post signage and pamphlets on employee bulletin boards and in gyms. Send out messages in employee newsletters.
Skill Building
Educate occupational health personnel and health and safety representatives on the dangers of artificial tanning.
Create Supportive Environments
Focus on healthy looking skin. Remember tanned skin is damaged skin. Avoid any advertising or sponsorship at your workplace related to tanning salons. Ensure your workplace health club or the health club’s that your Human Resources department promote, do not having tanning booths.
Call Project Health to ask about the resources we have to offer related to artificial tanning
Some employees like the look of tanned skin and perceive it as attractive. This all comes at a serious cost - possible skin cancer. Mounting evidence indicates artificial tanning is a significant factor in melanoma and other types of skin cancer, especially in young female employees. Employers can play a role in the prevention of skin cancer. Some simple interventions and environmental supports go a long way in promoting employee health.
If you would like more information on artificial tanning, please contact Dianne Roedding, Region of Waterloo Public Health Nurse at droedding@regionofwaterloo.ca or 519-740-5793 ext.3438
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