Although workers might associate cancer risks with the food they eat or the air they breathe, the workplace can pose significant cancer hazards, including UV exposure for outdoor workers, secondhand smoke, and exposure to carcinogenic chemicals.
Skin changes to report
- Any change in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or a new growth.
- Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, itchiness, tenderness, or pain in a spot on the skin.
- Dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark.
Workers who notice these signs should see a dermatologist because they might indicate skin cancer.
Review workplace precautions and protection procedures with outdoor workers, and consider additional sun-safety guidance such as those in March Health and Safety Insights.
The American Cancer Society observes the annual Great American Smokeout to encourage smokers to quit and to highlight how quitting improves life expectancy.
Benefits of quitting smoking
- Smokers who quit at age 35 gain an average of eight years of life expectancy.
- Quitting at 55 gains about five years.
- Quitting at 65 gains about three years.
The Great American Smokeout and many health organizations offer tips, programs, and calculators to help people quit; encourage workers to use available resources.
Millions of U.S. workers face exposure to chemical materials that could be carcinogenic. If workers are in this group, train them in the following protective steps.
Protecting workers from carcinogen exposure
- Enter regulated areas only if assigned and authorized.
- Wear assigned, undamaged personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Inspect PPE before use to be sure it is undamaged and fits properly.
- For standard operations in a regulated area, wear full-body protection (coveralls, a smock, long-sleeved shirt and pants), gloves, shoe covers, and a half-face, filter-type respirator.
- For tasks with risk of direct carcinogen contact, wear impervious clothing, gloves, and boots, and a continuous-air supplied hood.
- Do not keep or use food, beverages, cosmetics, smoking products, or chewing gum in regulated areas.
- Remove PPE properly when leaving a regulated area.
- Leave used PPE in the area assigned for decontamination and/or disposal.
- Wash hands, forearms, face, and neck before leaving the area.
- Shower at the end of the shift or immediately after direct exposure.
- Put on street clothes in the clean change room — do not take contaminated clothing, PPE, or materials home.
- Follow decontamination procedures for materials and equipment.
For more guidance on hazardous materials and workplace procedures, see Hazardous Materials and Workplace Safety.
For more guidelines on reducing carcinogen risks in the workplace, talk to an agent
talk to an agent
Frequently Asked Questions
What are early warning signs of skin cancer to watch for?
Early signs include changes in a mole’s size, shape, or color, new growths, and spots that itch, bleed, or do not heal; see a dermatologist if you notice these changes.
How can outdoor workers reduce UV exposure on the job?
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and wide-brim hats, schedule work to avoid peak sun hours when possible, and seek shade for breaks.
What basic PPE practices reduce worker exposure to carcinogens?
Use assigned, undamaged PPE, inspect it before use, remove and decontaminate PPE properly, wash exposed skin, and avoid bringing contaminated items home.
Where can workers find help to quit smoking?
Workers can access smoking-cessation programs, counseling, and online tools from health organizations and workplace wellness programs to help them quit.