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Could Your Melanoma Be Work-Related? Understanding Occupational Risks

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Please note that this post was written for Victorian audiences and the information within may not apply to other regions.

Melanoma March: A Timely Reminder

Every March, Australians come together for Melanoma March, an initiative led by the Melanoma Institute of Australia (MIA). Running from March 1st to March 30th, this event raises awareness and funds for life-saving melanoma research. Given that one Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes, and 1,300 Australians are expected to lose their lives to the disease this year, it’s a crucial time to reflect on the risks associated with this deadly cancer—including those that stem from workplace exposure.

Melanoma is the most common cancer among Australians aged 20 to 39 and the third most common cancer in both men (after prostate and colorectal cancer) and women (after breast and colorectal cancer). While Australia’s sunny climate makes outdoor activities enjoyable, prolonged and unprotected sun exposure poses significant health risks. This is especially concerning for workers who spend hours outside, often unaware that their job could be increasing their risk of developing melanoma.

Many people associate melanoma with recreational sun exposure—weekends at the beach, hiking, or sports. However, occupational exposure is a significant but often overlooked risk factor. Certain jobs require prolonged outdoor work, leading to cumulative sun exposure that increases the likelihood of developing melanoma.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Workers in the following industries face an elevated risk of developing melanoma due to excessive UV exposure:

  • Construction workers – Frequently exposed to direct sunlight for long hours.
  • Farmers and agricultural workers – Often work outdoors with little to no shade.
  • Lifeguards and swimming instructors – Consistently exposed to reflective UV rays from water and sand.
  • Tradespeople (roofers, carpenters, landscapers, etc.) – Work at heights or in open spaces with full sun exposure.
  • Delivery drivers, truck drivers and traffic controllers – Face ongoing incidental sun exposure while on the road.

Even workers who are partially protected, such as those who drive vehicles with glass windows, are at risk because UV rays can penetrate glass, contributing to long-term damage.

It is important to note that although melanoma is a type of cancer that usually occurs on skin that has been overexposed to the sun, melanomas can also occur on parts of the body that have little to no exposure to the sun. These areas may include the spaces between the toes and on the palms, soles, scalp or genitals. These are sometimes referred to as hidden melanomas because they occur in places most people wouldn’t think to check.

Prevention: Protecting Yourself from Occupational Sun Exposure

While it’s impossible to eliminate all UV exposure for outdoor workers, taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing melanoma. Here are some key prevention strategies:

  1. Wear sun-protective clothing – Choose lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses.
  2. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen – Reapply every two hours, especially if sweating or working near reflective surfaces.
  3. Seek shade where possible – Take breaks in shaded areas to reduce continuous UV exposure.
  4. Use UV-protective equipment – Consider tinted face shields or UV-filtering window films for vehicles.
  5. Get regular skin checks – Early detection of melanoma increases survival rates, so routine skin checks are essential.

A worker diagnosed with melanoma may be entitled to WorkCover compensation based on the nature of their employment (whether current or former employment).

It must be shown that the nature of your employment significantly increased the risk of you developing melanoma, rather than you proving that your current or past employment with a specific employer is the actual cause.

A worker diagnosed with an occupational disease may be entitled to claim WorkCover compensation for:

  • Weekly loss of income benefits
  • Medical and like expenses
  • Impairment Benefit (no fault lump sum)
  • In some circumstances, damages for pain and suffering and loss of earnings

You may also be entitled to other benefits regardless of whether you qualify for WorkCover compensation, including total and permanent disablement benefits from your superannuation policy.

What should you do if you think you have Occupational Melanoma?

If you think you have occupational melanoma, see your general practitioner or specialist to determine if you have any conditions or diseases that may be due to the nature of your employment. It is important that you give an occupational history.

Given that the period between exposure and the onset of symptoms can be lengthy, early preventative measures and detection are highly recommended. If you believe you have signs of occupational melanoma or any other illness that stems from your working conditions, you can contact us for a free, no-obligation appointment.