Sun Exposure and Roofers
Cancer Council Australia estimates that around 200 melanomas and 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers a year in Australia are caused by exposure at work. For roofers, sun is part of the job. Good sun protection lowers the risk, and a regular skin check means anything that does turn up is found early.
Hear from our happy customers!
Why Roofers Skin Checks Matter
Roofers have about as much sun exposure as any trade. There is rarely any shade on a roof, and metal roof sheeting reflects UV back up at you. Safe Work Australia lists metal and concrete among the surfaces that reflect UV, so a hat alone does not cover everything.
How a Skin Check Works for Roofers
Whether you book yourself or come through your employer, a check for roofers includes:
- A total body skin check from scalp to soles, using dermoscopy
- MoleMax HD imaging of anything worth watching
- A photographic record we compare against at your next check
- Spot checks for anything specific you are worried about
- Advice on sun protection and checking your own skin between visits
If something needs further assessment, we refer you to a skin cancer specialist.
Spots to Watch on the Job
Typical exposure points for a roofer:
- Face, ears and under the chin from reflected UV
- Back of the neck and shoulders
- Forearms and the backs of the hands
- Scalp, especially with thinning hair
- Calves and the backs of the knees if you work in shorts
We check your whole body, not just these areas. Melanoma can also appear on skin that rarely sees the sun.
Sun Safety for Your Crew
Safe Work Australia’s guidance is that skin checks are a useful extra for UV-exposed workers, alongside the real controls: scheduling, shade, clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Cancer Council Australia reports 1,679 workers’ compensation claims for sun-related injury or disease in Australia between 2009 and 2019.
On roofing jobs, the most useful controls are starting early and stopping the most exposed work in the middle of the day where possible, providing shade at ground level for breaks, and making long sleeves, a brimmed hat or legionnaire flap and SPF 30+ reapplied every two hours part of the job.
Want to set up checks for your crew? Call 1800 443 972 and we can work out the details.
Are you an individual looking for Skin Check Services in the Gold Coast?
We offer a range of services for individuals at our Broadbeach clinic.
- Skin cancer screening
- Mole mapping
- Melanographer
- Skin cancer detection
- Skin health checks
- MoleMax HD technology
- Total body mapping
- Skin cancer treatment
- Skin cancer clinic
- Skin checks
- Melanoma detection
- Skin cancer prevention
- Skin screening services
- High-definition skin imaging
- Full body skin checks
Protect Yourself and workforce with Corporate Skin Checks in Broadbeach
Skin cancer is preventable and treatable if caught early. By organising corporate skin checks for your team, you’re not just ticking a box—you’re making a meaningful investment in their future.
If you’re ready to prioritise workplace health, contact us to arrange corporate skin checks in The Gold Coast. Together, we’ll help keep your team safe, healthy, and focused on what they do best.
If you would like any more information on your responsibility as an employer with workers in the sun you can read more on Sun Smart.
Where to Get Checked
Book at any of our clinics: Broadbeach at Pacific Fair, Southport on Wednesdays, Ashfield in Sydney’s inner west, or Killara on the Upper North Shore.
Questions from Roofers
Is a cap enough on a roof?
Safe Work Australia does not recommend baseball caps because they fail to shade most of the face, neck and ears. A broad brim or a legionnaire style hat does a much better job.
Does a skin check replace sunscreen and protective clothing?
No. Safe Work Australia is clear that skin checks are not an alternative to sun protection. They work together.
Is a skin check bulk billed?
No. We are a specialised skin screening service, and skin checks are not covered by Medicare. If you are referred for surgery, a Medicare rebate applies to that part.
Also Working Outdoors?
We also offer skin checks for Carpenters, Electricians and Painters and Decorators.