Workplace Skin Checks
Early Detection in the Workplace
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. About two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. Regardless of age, the earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to successfully treat.
As an employer, it’s important to provide onsite screenings for your employees, along with education on sun protection and how to identify possible skin cancers.
Outdoor workers have a particularly high risk of skin cancer; however, indoor workers also have a significant risk because they spend most of the week inside but are exposed to short bursts of intense sunlight on weekends and holidays.
Workplace Skin Checks
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Healthworks provides workplace skin checks for employees across Australia. Our team of skin care medical professionals carry out skin checks using a dermatoscope to identify potential areas of concern.
- An onsite skin check examines the body areas that typically receive the highest UV exposure: the face, ears, neck, hands, and forearms, with additional time allocated for participants to nominate another area of the body or specific spot(s) to be examined. This provides the opportunity to address any individual concerns.
- An offsite voucher program which will provide participants with a head-to-toe skin and mole check for signs of skin cancer at a specialist clinic.
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- A skin check by a medical professional, trained in the screening and early detection of skin cancer.
- Employees can request to focus on a specific area in the 15-minute check.
- An education booklet providing information and education around skin cancer risk factors, images of skin changes to look out for, tips for how to complete a self-check and prevention strategies.
- If required, a written follow-up letter to a GP or Skin Cancer Clinic for further investigation and diagnosis.
- A follow-up to employees who received a referral, to ensure prompt treatment.
Our Corporate Skin Checks
Our corporate skin checks contribute towards a healthier workforce and demonstrate a commitment to their employees. Given that 2 in 3 Australians are diagnosed with skin cancers before the age of 70, our proactive approach focuses on early detection and prevention. By offering regular skin checks, we aim to safeguard the health of your employees, enhance workplace safety standards, and bolster overall productivity within your organisation.
More Benefits of Workplace Skin Checks
Early detection of skin cancers stands as the key benefit of workplace skin check programs. Beyond safeguarding employee health, our assessments offer additional advantages by:
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FAQ’s about Workplace Skin Checks
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The sun in Australia is extremely harsh and unfortunately, has one of the highest rates of skin cancer. More than 11,500* Australian men and women are diagnosed with melanoma each year, and an estimated 434,000* people are treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers. On top of those alarming statistics, 2 out of 3 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the time they are 70*.
It recommended that everyone over the age of 25 should get regular skin checks. If you are over 25 and you have never had a skin check, it is never too late to start having regular skin checks.
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A skin check can help identify irregular moles and changes in the skin – the earlier that skin cancer is identified and treated, the better chance of eliminating it entirely.
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During a skin check, clinicians check for moles and freckles that have any asymmetrical patterns, abnormal colouring, an irregular border, or spots that have changed in size or shape.
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You should discuss your medical history and possible risk of skin cancer with your GP to get an idea of how often you should get a skin check. Some patients will need a full skin check every 3-6 months, others every 12 months, and those with low risk may be recommended to have a skin check every 2-3 years. Melanomas can develop in between visits with your skin cancer clinician; therefore, you should know how to check your own skin and moles. The Cancer Council recommends all adults should complete a self-check every 3 months.
*Cancer Council Australia
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Workplace skin checks are confidential. The information gathered during these checks, including any findings or medical history discussed, is treated with strict confidentiality. Only authorised healthcare professionals involved in the screening process have access to this information.
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If a problem is detected during a workplace skin check, the employee will be informed promptly and provided with guidance on the next steps. This may involve further medical evaluation or treatment, depending on the nature of the issue detected. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, so prompt action is recommended.
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Employees can opt out of workplace skin checks. However, it’s essential to consider the high prevalence of skin cancer in Australia due to intense sun exposure. Participating in these checks is strongly encouraged by employers to promote early detection, which can significantly improve health outcomes.