18/09/2026
Three common sun-safety myths, and what the evidence actually says:
1️⃣ “Sun safety is just a summer problem”
➡️ Cancer Council SA advises sun protection whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher. In South Australia, that spans August through May (nine months, not three). You cannot feel UV rays; heat comes from infrared radiation. A cool, overcast morning can still carry dangerous UV levels.
2️⃣ “Office workers are not at risk”
➡️ While outdoor workers face higher rates of squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma follows a different pattern. A large multi-country study found melanoma rates slightly higher among indoor workers, likely due to sudden, intense bursts of sun on weekends and breaks. Working indoors does not make you immune.
3️⃣ “Providing sunscreen counts as a full sun-safety policy”
➡️ Under WHS guidelines, sunscreen sits at the bottom of the hierarchy of controls because it relies completely on individual compliance and frequent reapplication. Effective policies prioritize higher-level controls first, such as providing shade, adjusting work hours, and scheduling on-site health checks.
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