Sunscreen as critical personal protective equipment for all outdoor workers

Royal DSM, a global purpose-led science-based company, today announces that it has secured the support of 11 members of Congress to ask OSHA to review existing standards exempting employer coverage of sunscreen for outdoor workers so that standards better reflect the understanding that sunscreen is critical personal protective equipment and not for “weather-related” protection only. 

Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer, with over 5 million people diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, with about 99,780 invasive melanomas expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Many of us earn our living indoors, and when we do choose to be in the sun, we can use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and seek shade. But for those who are required to work outdoors, regardless of the weather, they are at far greater risk of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation.

At DSM, we believe so and that’s why we are working with 11 members of Congress to ask OSHA to review existing standards exempting employer coverage of sunscreen for outdoor workers so that standards better reflect the understanding that sunscreen is critical personal protective equipment and not for “weather-related” protection only. We believe revisiting the treatment of sunscreen as critical personal protective equipment covered by an employer will increase usage rates of sunscreen significantly1, leading to the reduction of two risk factors for skin cancer – sun exposure and sunburns.

1 Supra, note 2.

Click here to Learn More About DSM’s Proud Sponsorship of The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Destination Healthy Skin.

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Hugh C. Welsh, President & General Counsel
DSM North America 
Email: Hugh.Welsh@dsm.com

Stephen Wood
Senior Director, Personal Care NA
Email: Stephen.Wood@dsm.com