3 Ways You Can Help Protect Your Employees from Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It can be serious, expensive and life threatening.

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At Tufts Health Plan, we’re committed to helping our members prevent skin cancer. Employers can help, too.

Nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year in the U.S., costing an estimated $8.1 billion. Skin cancer has a serious impact in the workplace as well:

Every year, Americans lose more than $100 million in productivity because of restricted activity or absence from work due to skin cancer1

Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented. There are some simple steps that you can take to help your employees minimize their risk year-round and detect potential skin cancer early.

1. Protect your employees who work outdoors

Outdoor workers often spend a lot of time in the sun, putting them at greater risk for skin cancer. The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to minimize risk of harm to employees, and in some states, employers may be required to provide workers’ compensation to employees who get skin cancer because of sun exposure on the job.2

If you have employees who work outdoors, be sure to provide plenty of education about the importance of sunblock—including on tops of ears, backs of necks and exposed skin on top of head—and protective clothing. And remember, sun protection isn’t just for summer. UV rays from the sun can still cause skin damage in the winter months, especially at higher altitudes or on reflective surfaces like snow or ice.

Take whatever steps you can to minimize sun exposure on the job for employees, including:

  • Providing sunblock at the work site
  • Increasing the amount of shade available, with tents, shelters and cooling stations
  • Covering or minimizing shiny or bright-colored surfaces (like concrete, metal or snow), which can increase sun exposure
  • Allowing workers time to reapply sunscreen throughout their shifts.

2. Encourage your employees to get regular skin screenings and checkups

An annual skin cancer screening is covered under all Tufts Health Plan policies, per ACA guidelines.  It’s a benefit worth calling out, since many people may not be aware of it. During a skin cancer screening, a primary care doctor or a dermatologist3 will do a visual check to help find skin that could be cancer or turn into it eventually.

One of the most convenient ways for your employees to see a dermatologist is with telehealth from Tufts Health Plan, powered by Teladoc®.

For an in-person appointment with a dermatologist, the average wait time is 52 days,4 but with Teladoc, members can quickly get a consult via web or mobile

Teladoc is available to members on employer plans as part of their benefits.5

3. Make skin safety part of your company culture

There are plenty of easy and creative ways you can make skin cancer awareness part of everyday life at your company. For starters, be sure to include skin safety information in any workplace wellness programs you offer. Encourage your employees to do skin self-exams, which are a good way to detect early skin changes that may mean melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

Consider providing sunblock in employee bathrooms, kitchens or break rooms, and hand out branded sun-defense promo items at your next employee or community event. Customized caps, sunglasses, SPF lip balm or sunblock featuring your organization’s name and logo promote your company while also promoting good skin health—an easy win-win.

At Tufts Health Plan, we take skin cancer seriously

By providing our members with simple ways to minimize their risk and detect problems early, we believe we can make a positive impact. And employers can, too.

Read More About Sun Safety

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/pdf/skincancer_employees.pdf
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/pdf/skincancer_employees.pdf
  3. A referral from a PCP may be necessary for dermatology appointments.
  4. Meritt Hawkins’ 2017 Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times
  5. Employers who are self-insured may not have this benefit included. Ask your employer about Teladoc.