In the past 10 years the Victorian WorkCover Authority has received 107 claims costing more than $6.2 million in compensation, common law damages and impairment benefits.

Lost work time and extra insurance costs were also repercussions for employers, the Cancer Council of Victoria said at the start of National Skin Cancer Action Week. 

The Standard sought comment after observing several outdoor workers in recent weeks without sun-protective headwear.

According to the city council, site supervisors make a risk assessment to determine the personal protection equipment required.

“In the case of radiation from the sun this can include long-sleeved shirts with a collar, trousers or shorts to the knee, a hat with a broad brim made of a close-weave material, sunglasses (wraparounds are best), sunscreen (SPF 15+ or higher),” communications manager Nick Higgins said.

“This applies to contractors along with council staff.”

The cancer council said outdoor workers received five to 10 times more UV radiation exposure than indoor workers.

“In Australia it is estimated that around 200 melanomas and 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by occupational exposures to UV every year,” a spokeswoman said. “Recent research indicated that while 95 per cent of Australian outdoor workers use some form of sun protection, just 9 per cent are considered to be fully protected from UV overexposure.”

In Victoria more than 40,000 new cases of skin cancer were diagnosed every year including 2307 cases of melanoma and 460 deaths from skin cancer.

On a positive note, there are falling cancer rates in people younger than 40 years, attributed to behavioural changes triggered by the SunSmart program.

It is estimated two in three Australians will get some form of skin cancer before they are 70 and UV levels are strong enough in January to damage the skin in as little as 11 minutes.