Reduce your risk of cancer at work
AN ESTIMATED 3.6 MILLION AUSTRALIANS ARE EXPOSED TO CANCER-CAUSING AGENTS AT WORK, WITH ABOUT 5000 CANCER CASES DIAGNOSED EACH YEAR AS A RESULT
AUGUST is National Tradies Health Month, which is the perfect time for tradies to educate themselves on risks in the workplace and start constructing healthy habits.
An estimated 3.6 million Australians are exposed to cancer-causing agents at work, with about 5000 cancer cases diagnosed each year as a result.
Awareness of risks associated with exposures such as asbestos and ultraviolet radiation are well-known but there are other exposures, such as diesel fumes and secondhand smoke, which may be less commonly perceived as a workplace cancer risk.
Work environments may also indirectly affect the risk of cancer by enabling unhealthy behaviours, such as poor nutrition and physical inactivity.
Simple steps, such as following work health and safety laws, winding up the window and turning on the aircon if you are driving a diesel vehicle, packing healthy snacks, staying SunSmart and avoiding environmental tobacco smoke are just some examples of how you can reduce your cancer risk.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified over 165 cancercausing agents that workers are potentially being exposed to in their workplace. These include asbestos, welding fumes, diesel engine exhaust, environmental tobacco smoke, UV radiation and silica dust.
If you think you may have been exposed to a cancer-causing agent, it is important to speak with a GP or health professional. To find out what you can do to create a workplace that supports healthy choices to help reduce cancer risk, contact Cancer Council 13 11 20 or visit www.quest.org.au
Here are some simple steps tradies can take to reduce their cancer risk.
KNOW YOUR RISK – AND REDUCE IT
Start a conversation at your next toolbox meeting about carcinogens specific to your workplace. For example, many asbestos-containing materials remain in place throughout Australia, including in construction materials, insulation products, gaskets, friction brake products, vehicle and plant equipment.
BRING AN ESKY FILLED WITH A HEALTHY LUNCH, SNACKS
Collectively, being overweight or obese, physically inactive, and eating unhealthily are second only to tobacco as preventable risk factors for cancer. Lack of access a fridge can make it difficult to pack lunches from home. Try bringing an Esky filled with a balanced lunch and healthy snacks, such as fruit and unsalted nuts.
STAY CLEAR OF TOBACCO SMOKE
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. Those who smoke can obtain free information, practical assistance and support from Quitline, 13 QUIT (13 7848). Those who don’t smoke should also aim to create a smoke-free work site to avoid environmental tobacco smoke.
BE SUNSMART EVERY DAY
Exposure to UV radiation can damage the skin and eyes and outdoor workers receive between five and 10 times more UV radiation exposure than indoor workers. Cancer Council Queensland recommends tradies abide by all five sun protective recommendations all year round – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek shade and Slide on sunnies. Chris McMillan is the Cancer Council Queensland CEO