With spring weather arriving and summer just around the corner, many people are itching to have some fun in the sun. But to keep the sun adventures from turning into actual rashes and itching, skin protection is crucial.
Skin cancers are the most common of all cancer types, affecting more than 3 million people annually. Annual costs associated with lost workdays and restricted-activity days are estimated at $76.8 million for non-melanoma skin cancer and $29.4 million for melanoma.
For employers, annual educational campaigns offering employees skin safety tips can help prevent healthcare costs associated with sun-related skin diseases, shows you value employees, and hopefully inspires them to protect their bodies’ largest organ.
Sun exposure risk
In addition to skin cancer, there’s much to consider when it comes to skin safety and chronic conditions. Sun and heat exposure causes certain medical conditions to flare up, including migraines, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune conditions and respiratory illnesses — all of which can affect an employee’s ability to work.
These health risks translate directly into workforce challenges that affect your organization's performance, including:
- Rising healthcare costs: Treating skin cancers and related conditions drives up premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for both employers and employees.
- Increased absenteeism: Employees undergoing treatments for skin cancer may require multiple appointments and recovery time, leading to planned and unplanned absences.
- Reduced productivity: Even mild sunburns can cause discomfort that affects focus and performance for days.
- Short and long-term disability claims: Serious skin cancer cases may necessitate extended leaves of absence and trigger disability benefits.
Building an Education Plan
To equip your employees with the best information, build an education plan that includes employee skin cancer prevention and general outdoor safety tips. Offer guidelines on proper sunscreen application, protective clothing options and recognizing warning signs of skin damage. Run campaigns periodically from before spring break season and throughout summer months.
For employees who work outdoors or live in high UV areas, you can even consider offering company-branded sun protection products, including sunscreen, hats and UV-protective clothing.
Sun safety is just one topic within a broader year-round wellness campaign. A benefits partner can help build wellness campaigns that educate employees. For example, Marathon Health provides a year-round health promotion and education catalog to its members, including a range of education programs.
In addition, with the help of dedicated providers at your onsite or nearsite wellness center, you can arrange skin care checks for employees. For employees who need to see a specialist, value-based referrals direct them to high-quality, cost-effective providers.
By prioritizing skin safety education, HR leaders demonstrate commitment to employee wellbeing while addressing preventable health issues that impact the bottom line. The investment required for education yields significant returns in reduced healthcare costs, improved productivity and strengthened organizational culture.
