Page 4505 - Week 15 - Thursday, 22 November 1990
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and a shorter lunchtime break to reduce time spent outdoors in the middle of the day. Perhaps we could change our practices for lunch here in the Assembly as well, Mr Speaker, to avoid going out between the hours of 11 and 3 - or not have lunch at all - an even healthier practice. I am pleased that in many schools students eat their lunch in school before going out to play. Also most schools insist on hats and sunscreens for all excursions.
Another vital area of concern in the prevention of skin cancer is the protection of outdoor workers from ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. Outdoor workers are at greater risk from excessive exposure than most other people. The Occupational Health and Safety Unit of the Chief Minister's Department is currently examining guidelines to minimise the exposure of outdoor workers in both the public and private sectors of the ACT.
There are a range of issues that need to be considered when addressing exposure of outdoor workers. These include the actual tasks which involve exposure to solar radiation, time of day when tasks are required to be performed, the extent of shade available, the nature of reflective surfaces involved and the use of photosensitive chemicals in the workplace. Engineers need to consider control strategies which include use of natural or artificial shade, administrative procedures to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and promotion of personal protection by workers. It is also important that workers are given access to clear information about self-screening for skin cancers. Training opportunities need to be provided to demonstrate appropriate techniques and to provide information about the importance of early treatment.
Clearly, there is a strong commitment by this Government to take steps to prevent skin cancers in Canberrans. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to inform the Assembly about the range of activities which are being undertaken in the ACT. The National Skin Cancer Awareness Week is an important campaign which must be supported - I hope by all of us. I commend all members and the public to avail themselves of the information that is made available this week. I also urge members to consider the wearing of hats in the course of tomorrow. I see Mr Connolly is setting an excellent example by bringing his hat to the chamber. Mr Speaker, I present the following paper:
Skin Cancer Awareness Week 1990 - Ministerial statement, 22 November 1990.
I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
MR BERRY (3.29): Mr Speaker, there is no doubt that skin cancer and the effects on one's skin from ultraviolet rays are matters of great concern in the community. They are issues which will affect most Australian families in one way or another forever because of the nature of the climate
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