The Cancer Council estimated that around 7,000 new cases of cancer in Australia each year are caused by exposure to carcinogens in the workplace.
The report estimates that as many as 1.5 million Australian workers, engaged in 51 different industries, may be exposed to carcinogenic agents in the course of their work. There is growing evidence linking work-based exposures to various chemical compounds and other agents to a number of cancers, particularly cancers of the skin, lung and bladder.
Ultraviolet radiation in the form of sunlight is Australia’s most prevalent occupational carcinogen. Workers are at even higher risk this summer as many Australian states are experiencing heat waves.
The National Cancer Prevention Policy makes specific recommendations for national action by governments and non-government organisations, including programs and strategies to reduce the incidence of specific preventable cancer types.
Workplaces are encouraged to implement the strategies in their workplaces.
*Reference:
View the National Cancer Prevention Policy here: http://www.cancer.org.au/policy-and-advocacy/prevention-policy/national-cancer-prevention-policy.html