Sun safety facts
The numbers behind workplace sun protection
South African data and international evidence, with every figure linked to its source.
Skin cancer in South Africa
Histologically confirmed cases recorded by the National Cancer Registry for 2024, as published by CANSA.
26 964
basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas of the skin and melanomas recorded in 2024 (men and women combined)
8 730
basal cell carcinomas in men: the second most common cancer in South African men after prostate cancer (lifetime risk 1 in 26)
2 457
melanomas of all forms (1 328 men, 1 129 women)
| Cancer | Men (cases, rank, lifetime risk) | Women (cases, rank, lifetime risk) |
|---|---|---|
| Basal cell carcinoma | 8 730 - #2 - 1 in 26 | 7 101 - #3 - 1 in 48 |
| Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin | 4 982 - #3 - 1 in 50 | 3 694 - #4 - 1 in 109 |
| Melanoma (all forms) | 1 328 - 1 in 177 | 1 129 - 1 in 296 |
CANSA has long reported that South Africa has one of the highest skin cancer incidence rates in the world, and notes that melanoma is among the top five cancers in the country and that the risk appears to be rising in people under 40. Registry figures count histologically confirmed cases, so the true number of skin cancers is likely higher.
Outdoor work is a cancer risk
Joint estimates by the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization (8 November 2023).
1 in 3
deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide are caused by working under the sun
1.6 billion
working-age people were exposed to solar UV at work in 2019, 28% of all working-age people
18,960
deaths in 2019 from non-melanoma skin cancer due to outdoor work, up 88% since 2000
60%
increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer associated with occupational solar UV exposure
The same estimates rank occupational exposure to solar UV as the work-related risk factor with the third highest attributable burden of cancer deaths globally. Read the WHO release.
Sun protection guidance
What CANSA and WHO advise
- Seek shade and limit direct sun between 10:00 and 15:00.
- Use protection whenever the UV index is 3 or higher (WHO).
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 20, chosen for your skin type, and reapply regularly.
- Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
- UV passes through clouds and car windows, so protect yourself on overcast days and while driving.
How SUN PROTECT™ applies it at work
- SPF 50 for long shifts, applied 15 minutes before and reapplied at least every 2 hours.
- Shade, scheduling and rotation before PPE, following the hierarchy of controls.
- Hard-hat brims with neck flaps where hard hats are mandatory.
- Daily UV index in toolbox talks and on the worker app.
- Monthly skin self-checks, with guidance on when to see a professional.
Common questions
When is UV strongest in South Africa?
Usually between 10:00 and 15:00. Protection is recommended whenever the UV index is 3 or higher, which in South Africa covers much of the working day for most of the year.
What SPF should outdoor workers use?
CANSA recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 20, chosen for skin type. For long outdoor shifts we specify SPF 50, reapplied at least every 2 hours.
Do people with darker skin need sun protection?
Yes. Darker skin has more natural protection against sunburn, but UV still damages the eyes and skin, and skin cancers can occur in all skin types, including on the palms, soles and under the nails.
Protect your outdoor team this week
Start with a free UV risk assessment: about five minutes, an instant score, ranked actions and a branded PDF for your safety file.