Skin cancer researchers have congratulated Energex for taking out the National Melanoma Award for Excellence in Corporate Responsibility.
The awards are presented annually by Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA), recognising the nation’s leading contributions to reducing the impact of melanoma in Australia.
The University of Queensland, QUT and the PA Research Foundation joined together to nominate the energy company for the award.
MPA Chief Executive Hayley Andersen said more than 1600 Australians die each year as a result of melanoma.
“Companies like Energex, that are proactive and address this significant Australian health issue, should be commended,” Ms Andersen said.
”Energex has demonstrated a genuine commitment to raising awareness and protecting staff and the wider community which is why they are the worthy winner of the National Melanoma Award this year; we applaud their efforts.”
Acting Director of The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Professor H. Peter Soyer, said Energex is leading the way when it comes to encouraging skin cancer prevention and detection within the workplace.
“UQ has provided free skin checks and sun protection advice for Energex workers across several depots in the Brisbane region over a number of years,” Professor Soyer said.
“As a result this has led to the identification of skin cancers and moles that require close monitoring and the skin checks have provided a personal opportunity to counsel workers about measures to increase their sun safety.
Professor Monika Janda said QUT had worked closely with Energex to encourage their employees across Queensland to adopt sun safe practices.
“In addition, QUT has distributed sun safety newsletters among workers and provided opportunities for them to participate in research studies,” Professor Janda said.
PA Research Foundation CEO Damian Topp said the partnership with Energex was a significant commitment to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
“Energex has contributed $100,000 to the Foundation to help eradicate melanoma,” he said.
“This has allowed the wider community to access the word-leading 3D imaging technology, based at the Translational Research Institute, which uses 46 cameras to create a 3D avatar to better map changes in moles.
“We are grateful for the dedicated support of Energex staff to fund and participate in this research.”