Survey Reveals 74 Percent of Adults Believe Businesses with Outdoor Workers Should Provide Sunscreen for their Employees

WATERFORD, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Skin cancer is by far the most common form of cancer and too much
exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases the risk of skin
cancer. However, according to a 2016 survey Deb Group commissioned, 71
percent of outdoor workers are not provided sunscreen by their
employer’s to use at work.1 A new survey commissioned by Deb
Group
, and conducted online by Harris Poll among 2,057 U.S. adults
aged 18 and older, examines the public’s opinions on sunscreen at
businesses. The study found that 74 percent of adults believe businesses
with outdoor workers should provide sunscreen for their employees to use
while at work.

“Outdoor workers naturally spend more time exposed to UV radiation,
putting them at greater risk of sun damage and the potential of
developing skin cancers,” said Isabelle Faivre, Vice President of
Marketing, Deb North America. “Unfortunately, the dangers of skin cancer
in the workplace have often been neglected. Employers have an obligation
to minimize the risk of harm to employees. Providing and encouraging sun
protection for outdoor workers can help create a healthy and safe
workplace.”

Most skin cancers are preventable when best practice is followed, which
includes wearing sunscreen when the UV index is three or higher. The
2017 survey also found that beyond the workplace, more than a third of
adults (35 percent) believe that outdoor public facilities, such as
public pools and amusement parks, should provide sunscreen for public
use.

On average, by enduring more than five sunburns a person doubles their
risk for developing melanoma.2 Deb Group is proactively
campaigning to raise awareness of the risks associated with prolonged UV
exposure to workers who spend a significant amount of time outside. As
part of its Be
UV Aware campaign
, Deb offers an Outdoor
Workers’ Guide
 to help employers implement a suitable and successful
sun safety policy to protect its workers. Click here to
view Deb Group’s video that shines a light on sun protection for outdoor
workers with the use of a UV camera.

Deb Group offers a professional range of UV Protection creams to help
prevent skin damage from UV rays. The Stokoderm® Sun Protect 30 PURE
range is the perfect solution for anyone who spends time outside. Its
broad-spectrum activity will shield against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
The product can be dispensed from personal tubes or wall-mounted
dispensers. To learn more or to request a free trial, visit http://www.debgroup.com/ca/be-uv-aware.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll
on behalf of Deb Group from May 24-26, 2017 among 2,057 U.S. adults ages
18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample
and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be
calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting
variables, please contact Christina Alvarez at [email protected].

About Deb Group

Headquartered in the U.K. and with Canadian headquarters in Waterford,
ON., Deb Group provides dedicated skin care programs for a wide range of
industries and organizations that value their employee and customer
well-being.

In 2014, Deb Group acquired Stoko Professional Skin Care to become the
world’s largest specialist occupational skin care company. The combined
organization encompasses 23 companies operating in 19 countries, with
Deb products used over 150 million times every day. The Deb product
lines include Travabon®, Stokoderm®, Refresh,
Estesol®, Solopol®, Kresto®, Deb
InstantFOAM®, Stokolan® and KrestoGT.

In 2015, Deb Group was acquired by SC Johnson, a privately held, family
company and one of the world leading manufacturers of household cleaning
products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe
care. To learn more, visit www.debgroup.com.

1 http://www.debgroup.com/us/news/2016/survey-reveals-only-18-percent-outdoor-workers-always-wear-sunscreen-work

2 Pfahlberg A, Kolmel K-F, Gefeller O. Timing of excessive
ultraviolet radiation and melanoma: epidemiology does not support the
existence of a critical period of high susceptibility to solar
ultraviolet radiation-induced melanoma. Brit J Dermatol 2001;
144:3:471-475.

Contacts

Mulberry Marketing Communications
Christina Alvarez
214-571-6322
[email protected]