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Factors Associated With Occupational Sun-Protection Policies in Local Government Organizations in Colorado.
- Source :
-
JAMA dermatology [JAMA Dermatol] 2015 Sep; Vol. 151 (9), pp. 991-7. - Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Importance: Skin cancer prevention remains a national priority. Reducing chronic UV radiation exposure for outdoor workers through sun-safety practices is an important step to help reduce the incidence of skin cancer.<br />Objective: To determine the presence of occupational sun-safety policies at local government organizations in a single state.<br />Design, Setting, and Participants: Of 571 potentially eligible local government organizations of Colorado cities, counties, and special tax districts, we enrolled 98 in a randomized pretest-posttest controlled experiment starting August 15, 2010, that evaluated an intervention to promote the adoption of sun-safety policies. We used a policy-coding protocol to evaluate personal sun-protection practices, environmental and administrative controls, and policy directives for sun safety starting February 10, 2011. We report the baseline assessment of the occupational sun-protection policies of these organizations.<br />Main Outcomes and Measures: The presence of an occupational sun-safety policy.<br />Results: Overall, 85 local government organizations (87%) had policies that required personal sun-protection practices, including the use of eyewear, hats, and protective clothing. However, of the 98 responding organizations, only 8 hat policies (8%), 10 eyewear policies (10%), and 7 clothing policies (7%) mentioned sun protection as the intent of the policy. Only cosmopoliteness, operationalized as proximity to an urban area, was associated with the presence of a sun-safety policy (odds ratio, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.98-1.00]; Pā=ā.02).<br />Conclusions and Relevance: Outdoor workers are at increased risk for skin cancer because of long-term exposure to solar UV radiation. Although organizational policies have the potential to increase sun protection in occupational settings, occupational sun-safety policies were uncommon among local governments. Opportunities exist for dermatologists and other physicians to influence occupational sun-safety practices and policies, which are consistent with other safety procedures and could easily be integrated into existing workplace practices.
- Subjects :
- Colorado epidemiology
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseases epidemiology
Occupational Diseases etiology
Retrospective Studies
Skin Neoplasms epidemiology
Skin Neoplasms etiology
Health Policy legislation & jurisprudence
Local Government
Occupational Diseases prevention & control
Occupational Exposure adverse effects
Protective Clothing statistics & numerical data
Skin Neoplasms prevention & control
Sunlight adverse effects
Sunscreening Agents therapeutic use
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2168-6084
- Volume :
- 151
- Issue :
- 9
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- JAMA dermatology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 25993051
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.0575