Our Mission
SolCare is a community initiative that aims to educate outdoor workers on the importance of sun safety through interactive workshops and the dissemination of educational materials. We will cover topics such as the ultraviolet index, and distribute sunscreen samples.
Sun safety education and awareness is limited, and research by Canadian dermatologists has found that “only 30% of outdoor workers used sunscreen and only 8% seek shade regularly”. Given that this group is at 3.5 times greater risk of developing skin cancer relative to indoor workers, more must be done.
We deliver in-person workshops using materials produced by a project endorsed by the Canadian Dermatology Association, known as Sun Safety at Work. This project contains a wealth of dermatologist approved materials, but there is yet to be a dedicated outreach effort to outdoor workers using these materials, particularly to those working for small employers.
Without appropriate outreach, particularly to equity-seeking groups that are often employed as outdoor workers, the utility of these materials can not be realized.
Our objectives for the workshop delivery include:
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Awareness
Inform outdoor workers about solar ultraviolet exposure and its risks, including working knowledge of the ultraviolet index.
Risk Assessment
Introduce and complete a personal risk assessment (provided and validated by Sun Safety at Work) with participants to identify their personal risk score and the protective measures they can employ to reduce their exposure.
Support & Education
Serve as an initial point of contact with outdoor workers and their employers to continue to educate by providing brochures, fact sheet posters and other educational materials to be displayed in the workplace to prompt sun safety behaviours.