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Randomized trial testing a worksite sun protection program in an outdoor recreation industry
David B Buller1, Peter A Andersen, Barbara J Walkosz
1Klein Buendel, Inc., Golden, Colorado 80401, USA. dbuller@kleinbuendel.com
Summary
The Go Sun Smart (GSS) program increased awareness and reduced sunburns in outdoor workers at ski resorts. Greater program implementation correlated with fewer sunburns, highlighting its effectiveness in skin cancer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health Interventions
- Skin Cancer Prevention
Background:
- Health communication campaigns are vital for reducing UV radiation exposure and skin cancer.
- Outdoor workers are a high-risk population often overlooked by sun safety initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Go Sun Smart (GSS) worksite sun safety program.
- To assess the impact of GSS on UV exposure awareness and sunburn incidence among outdoor employees.
Main Methods:
- A pair-matched, group-randomized, pretest-posttest controlled trial.
- Intervention involved implementing the GSS program at ski area workplaces.
- Data collected from employees at intervention and control ski areas.
Main Results:
- Employees at intervention sites showed significantly higher GSS awareness (OR = 8.27) and reduced sunburns (adjusted OR = 1.63).
- A dose-response relationship was observed: greater program implementation led to fewer sunburns (OR = 1.46).
- Program awareness alone did not predict reduced sunburns, suggesting implementation is key.
Conclusions:
- The Go Sun Smart program is effective in increasing sun safety awareness and reducing sunburns among outdoor workers.
- Worksite sun safety programs can be successfully implemented in high-risk occupational settings.
- Findings support the diffusion-of-innovations theory in promoting health behaviors in the workplace.