Estimating the proportion of cancer attributable to occupational exposures is complicated and difficult, and a number of estimates have been made. Some researchers suggest that as little as two percent of new cancer cases are due to workplace exposures. Other estimates are as high as eleven percent. Regardless of the number, occupational cancers are preventable once hazardous work exposures are recognized and relevant regulatory measures adopted.
Therefore, occupational health and safety legislation should clearly be designed to ensure workers are protected from cancer risk by:
- eliminating workplace exposures to tobacco smoke;
- using sun protection methods to minimise exposure to UV radiation;
- widespread adherence to asbestos removal procedures;
- minimising the number of people exposed to a known carcinogen through safe work environments, policies and practices;
- training employees about exposure reduction;
- workplace monitoring of carcinogens where applicable;
- the development of appropriate new regulations and updating old regulations and existing occupational exposure limits;
- active enforcement of existing regulations in occupational health, particularly in the area of compliance with occupational exposure limits and compliance monitoring;
- having reasonable access to nutritious food and opportunities for physical activity.
Moreover, primary prevention is the most reliable way to reduce occupational cancer. Examples of primary prevention include:
- Eliminating a cancer causing agent by banning its production, import, sale or use.
- Substituting the cancer causing agent with something non-carcinogenic or less hazardous.
- Introducing engineering controls such as ventilation, enclosure or partial enclosure to the workplace where the carcinogen is present.
- Isolating the cancer causing agent so that it is separated from workers by distance.
- Using robotics to undertake tasks involving high exposure.
- Implementing safe work procedures in the workplace such as limiting the times at which outdoor work is performed, or ensuring that dust containing the cancer causing substance is dampened down.
- Ensuring staff are educated and trained in the use of hazardous substances.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE).
This position statement explores these issues in greater detail and can be a guide for employers and occupational health and safety policy makers to assist in protecting workers from occupational carcinogens.