CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skin cancer is by far the most common form of cancer and too much exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases the risk of skin cancer. However, according to a 2016 survey Deb Group commissioned, 71 percent of outdoor workers are not provided sunscreen by their employer’s to use at work.1 A new survey commissioned by Deb Group, and conducted online by Harris Poll among 2,057 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, examines the public’s opinions on sunscreen at businesses. The study found that 74 percent of Americans believe businesses with outdoor workers should provide sunscreen for their employees to use while at work.
“Outdoor workers naturally spend more time exposed to UV radiation, putting them at greater risk of sun damage and the potential of developing skin cancers,” said Isabelle Faivre, Vice President of Marketing, Deb North America. “Unfortunately, the dangers of skin cancer in the workplace have often been neglected. Employers have an obligation to minimize the risk of harm to employees. Providing and encouraging sun protection for outdoor workers can help create a healthy and safe workplace.”
Every year, Americans lose more than $100 million in productivity because of restricted activity or absence from work due to skin cancer.2 Most skin cancers are preventable when best practice is followed, which includes wearing sunscreen when the UV index is three or higher. The 2017 survey also found that beyond the workplace, more than a third of Americans (35 percent) believe that outdoor public facilities, such as public pools and amusement parks, should provide sunscreen for public use.
On average, by enduring more than five sunburns a person doubles their risk for developing melanoma.3 Deb Group is proactively campaigning to raise awareness of the risks associated with prolonged UV exposure to workers who spend a significant amount of time outside. As part of its Be UV Aware campaign, Deb offers an Outdoor Workers’ Guide to help employers implement a suitable and successful sun safety policy to protect its workers. Click here to view Deb Group’s video that shines a light on sun protection for outdoor workers with the use of a UV camera.
Deb Group offers a professional range of UV Protection creams to help prevent skin damage from UV rays. The Stokoderm® Sun Protect 30 PURE range is the perfect solution for anyone who spends time outside. Its broad-spectrum activity will shield against harmful UVA, UVB and artificial UVC rays. The product can be dispensed from personal tubes or wall-mounted dispensers. To learn more or to request a free trial, visit http://www.debgroup.com/us/be-uv-aware.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Deb Group from May 24-26, 2017 among 2,057 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Christina Alvarez at calvarez@mulberrymc.com.
About Deb Group
Headquartered in the U.K. and with North American headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., Deb Group provides dedicated skin care programs for a wide range of industries and organizations that value their employee and customer well-being.
In 2014, Deb Group acquired Stoko Professional Skin Care to become the world's largest specialist occupational skin care company. The combined organization encompasses 23 companies operating in 19 countries, with Deb products used over 150 million times every day. The Deb product lines include Travabon®, Stokoderm®, Refresh™, Estesol®, Solopol®, Kresto®, Deb InstantFOAM®, Stokolan® and KrestoGT™.
In 2015, Deb Group was acquired by SC Johnson, a privately held, family company and one of the world leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care. To learn more, visit www.debgroup.com.
2 https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/pdf/skincancer_employees.pdf
3 Pfahlberg A, Kolmel K-F, Gefeller O. Timing of excessive ultraviolet radiation and melanoma: epidemiology does not support the existence of a critical period of high susceptibility to solar ultraviolet radiation-induced melanoma. Brit J Dermatol 2001; 144:3:471-475.
