Masonry Magazine August 1999 Page. 42
Squamous Cell
About 20 percent of all skin cancer cases are squamous cell cancer, which has its roots in the outer layers of the epidermis. This cancer tends to be more aggressive than basal cell, and is more likely to invade other parts of the body. However, this isn't very common. Squamous cell cancer may appear as growing lumps, often with a rough surface, or flat reddish patches in the skin.
Skin Cancer Prevention
There are many ways construction workers can limit their sun exposure. First, if it's possible, avoid the sun or find semi-shade between noon and 2 p.m., peak UV hours. Whether you're in the sun or not, apply a water/sweat-proof sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or greater. You might not realize that UV rays, which cause skin damage, are common on cool and hazy days. It's smart to get into a habit of applying sunscreen, even when it's not sunny.
Your hard hat provides some protection from the sun, but only if you wear it. Long-sleeved shirts, pants and UV-protective sunglasses also provide protection from the sun. According to the June 1997 issue of The Health Journal, almost all clothing provides some physical protection from solar radiation and UV rays. However, the amount of protection it offers varies according to the tightness of the fabric weave. One test of clothing is to hold the garment up to the sun or a light bulb-material that blocks light will shield against some ultraviolet light. However, when fabric is wet, it loses some ability to block UV rays.
Risk factors for skin cancer include having a fair complexion and many moles, but darker skinned people aren't necessarily guarded against it, either. Risk is greater for people who have a family history of skin cancer and for people who have been treated with medicines that suppress the immune system.
Check Your Skin
You can improve your chances of finding skin cancer by performing a simple skin self-exam at least once a month after you shower. Check your skin in a well-lighted room with a full-length and a hand-held mirror. Start by learning where your birthmarks, moles and blemishes are and what they normally look like. Check for anything new-a change in the size, texture or color of a mole, or a sore that doesn't heal.
By checking your skin regularly, you will become familiar with what is normal. If you find anything unusual, see your doctor right away. Remember, the earlier skin cancer is found, the better the chance for cure.
Survey Exposes
Construction Workers' Sun Habits
Almost 70 percent of construction field workers (68 percent) spend more than six hours per day in the sun between May and September, according to a survey conducted by Job-Site Supervisor, a construction field management newsletter published by FMI.
Of 1,850 surveys mailed, responses were compiled from 316 surveys representing all types of contracting companies. Of those who responded, 55 percent work for general contractors, 40 percent work for subcontractors and 5 percent work for another type of construction company. Twenty-one percent of those who responded are project managers, 20 percent are superintendents, 4 percent are foremen, and 55 percent identified themselves as another title, such as safety manager, vice president or president. Most of the companies (44 percent) employ more than 101 people, 20 percent work for companies with 26-50 people, 14 percent work for companies with 76-100 employees, 12 percent work for companies with 51-75 employees, and 10 percent work for companies with fewer than 25 employees.
Protecting skin from the sun is a key factor in preventing sun damage. From the 460 responses in this protection category (respondents could choose more than one response), survey results show some construction workers protect themselves from the sun. Personal protection equipment (PPE), such as UV clothing and UV sunglasses, is popular among field workers: 45 percent reported that field workers use some form of PPE to protect themselves from the sun. However, not as many are slathering on the sunscreen. Twenty-seven percent of respondents said field workers use sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun, 19 percent do not protect themselves from the sun, 5 percent limit their time in the sun, 1 percent receive yearly cancer screenings, and 2 percent protect themselves in another way.
When asked about the type of PPE field workers are using to protect themselves from the sun, an overwhelming number (78 percent) said that field workers wear hard hats to protect themselves from the sun. Fifteen percent cited other PPE, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, UV protective sunglasses and baseball caps, and 7 percent said field workers are wearing UV resistant clothing to protect from the sun.
Half of construction companies hold safety talks about the sun's harmful effects, while 21 percent do nothing at all to warn workers about sun damage. Nineteen percent of companies provide sun-exposure literature for workers, 8 percent rely on personal protective equipment instructions, and 2 percent inform workers about sun exposure through other means, such as company or insurance newsletters.
An overwhelming majority of respondents (80 percent) believed that no field workers in their companies had been diagnosed with skin cancer-13 percent said field workers at their company had been diagnosed with skin cancer, and 7 percent said they didn't know.