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Sun Safety at Work Canada: a multiple case-study protocol to develop sun safety and heat protection programs and policies for outdoor workers.
- Source :
- Implementation Science; Jul2015, Vol. 10 Issue 1, p1-18, 18p
- Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- <bold>Background: </bold>CAREX Canada has identified solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) as the second most prominent carcinogenic exposure in Canada, and over 75 % of Canadian outdoor workers fall within the highest exposure category. Heat stress also presents an important public health issue, particularly for outdoor workers. The most serious form of heat stress is heat stroke, which can cause irreversible damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. Although the need for sun and heat protection has been identified, there is no Canada-wide heat and sun safety program for outdoor workers. Further, no prevention programs have addressed both skin cancer prevention and heat stress in an integrated approach. The aim of this partnered study is to evaluate whether a multi-implementation, multi-evaluation approach can help develop sustainable workplace-specific programs, policies, and procedures to increase the use of UV safety and heat protection.<bold>Methods/design: </bold>This 2-year study is a theory-driven, multi-site, non-randomized study design with a cross-case analysis of 13 workplaces across four provinces in Canada. The first phase of the study includes the development of workplace-specific programs with the support of the intensive engagement of knowledge brokers. There will be a three-points-in-time evaluation with process and impact components involving the occupational health and safety (OHS) director, management, and workers with the goal of measuring changes in workplace policies, procedures, and practices. It will use mixed methods involving semi-structured key informant interviews, focus groups, surveys, site observations, and UV dosimetry assessment. Using the findings from phase I, in phase 2, a web-based, interactive, intervention planning tool for workplaces will be developed, as will the intensive engagement of intermediaries such as industry decision-makers to link to policymakers about the importance of heat and sun safety for outdoor workers.<bold>Discussion: </bold>Solar UV and heat are both health and safety hazards. Using an occupational health and safety risk assessment and control framework, Sun Safety at Work Canada will support workplaces to assess their exposure risks, implement control strategies that build on their existing programs, and embed the controls into their existing occupational health and safety system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- INDUSTRIAL hygiene
INDUSTRIAL management
CARCINOGENICITY testing
SOLAR ultraviolet radiation
PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of heat
HEAT stroke
ENVIRONMENTAL exposure prevention
INDUSTRIAL hygiene standards
PROTECTIVE clothing
MEDICAL quality control
HEALTH policy
WORK environment
OCCUPATIONAL hazards
ENVIRONMENTAL exposure
HUMAN services programs
PREVENTION
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17485908
- Volume :
- 10
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Implementation Science
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 108652299
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-015-0277-2