Sun Damage Compensation Claims on the Rise

The West Australian newspaper reported a recent Cancer Council review into sun-related injury or disease workers compensation claims was more than $38 million in the last decade.

The review found that between 2000-2009, 1360 claims were paid. The claims figure had doubled from $2 million in 2001 to $4 million in 2008. Construction and waterfront workers were the occupations with the most claims, most for skin cancer and eye damage.

Terry Slevin, Chairman of the Cancer Councils occupation and environmental cancer risk committee, estimated 200 melanomas and 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers were linked to workplace UV exposure.

The total spent on workers compensation claims in this period exceeded the amount spent on protective measures. This highlights the importance of reviewing workplace practices and behaviours in relation to outdoor activities.

Version 1.0 | 18/01/2012