Summer in Australia usually means clear blue skies, hot temperatures and outdoor activities. But even if you don't usually get burned in the sun, you are still at risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia, with one in two people who live here all their lives developing some form of skin cancer. It's caused mainly by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun and is normally divided into two categories: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world because it's close to the equator and has clear sunny skies. National Skin Cancer Action Week aims to raise awareness of skin cancer and sun protection issues. Check out the Cancer Council's website on it here.

Your risk of skin cancer is higher if you:

• are exposed to UVR during childhood and adolescence
• have repeated exposure to UVR over your lifetime
• are older
• have a light complexion (red or fair hair; blue or green eyes; skin that burns easily, freckles and doesn't tan)
• have a large number of moles or have unusual types of moles
• have had episodes of severe sunburn
• have a had a previous non-melanoma skin cancer
• have a personal or family history of melanoma
• are immunosuppressed (including organ transplant recipients)

So remember, no matter how well you tan (or not!), remember to Slip, Slop, Slap this summer (and spring, and autumn and winter!).

We've got a free poster for you to download outlining 5 ways to protect your skin - grab it here.

For information on what the UV index is, have a look here and for a guide on the expected UV levels in your area, visit the UV index at the Bureau of Meteorology. You may be surprised at just how high the UV index for your region is on any given day. Heat or high temperatures are no indicator, so it is important for workers to be aware of this fact, and wear the appropriate clothing and take adequate precautions.

The new Healthworks Summer Sense booklet, which includes expert advice from Cancer Council NSW, provides information on how to stay safe and healthy in the outdoors this summer. Perfect for the outdoor worker, the open air enthusiast or indeed, anyone who spends time outside in the summer, this booklet will provide the information readers need to make the choices that will keep them safe in the heat and sun.

Healthworks also has seminars that focus on Heat and Sun Safety. We even have do-it-yourself seminars that you can present in-house, perfect for remote locations.

Protect your staff this summer.

Main Sources: Department of Health and Ageing website, Bureau of Meteorology website, Healthworks Summer Sense booklet.

Here's a few tips to keep in mind for your work's festive function and to help you avoid work party pitfalls.

1. Turn up - even if you don't really want to go, failure to attend can be interpreted as disrespect for your organisation and work colleagues.
2. Dress appropriately - find out what the dress code for the event is and remember to keep your outfit conventional.
3. Engage in conversation - but don't just talk about work! A party is not the time to talk shop.
4. Keep your behaviour and language appropriate to the situation.
   and of course,
5. Don't regret your behaviour the next day - stick to one or two alcoholic drinks (or none!).

Healthworks has several posters available on drugs and alcohol, and a specific poster available on how to party safely and well. Check them out today and give your staff a quick refresher on office party etiquette. And if you want a specific poster - just let us know! We can design to order.

We also have a booklet available on Planning to Party - invaluable for the festive season!, and a booklet on Drugs and Alcohol.

And we've got a special download for you. Inspired by the 2010 Healthworks Ten out of Ten calendar, check out the special December 2009 calendar page - with ten ways to enjoy the end of 2009, it's yours to print out and pin up.

You'll get full marks for getting employees involved in OH&S - healthy employees equal healthy business. They're available for delivery right now so you can sit back and relax in the knowledge that you're prepared for the festive season. (They're also 5% off until December 7th, so order now!)

We recommend printing your free December 2009 calendar page in A3 format (although A4 works fine) - in full colour to get the full effect!