Abstract
Degradation of atmospheric ozone levels has led to an increase in the amount of ultraviolet light received by individuals exposed to sunlight. As a result, skin cancer rates are increasing dramatically. The Los Angeles County Junior Lifeguard Program (JLP), established in 1938, provides training for youth in beach and ocean skills. The training takes place on the beaches during peak sun hours adding to the risk of contracting skin cancer later in life. Public organizations can be held liable for illness and injury to employees. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of risk communication on individuals' attitudes and perceptions relative to sun exposure, and the need for organizational change in preventing skin cancers and limiting public organization liability. One hundred and eighty one (181) individuals from the JLP took part in the experimental design methodology. A pre-test instrument was designed to determine the youths' attitudes and perceptions relative to sun exposure and skin cancer risk. Groups of approximately 45 subjects were each provided with a different form of risk communication as means of intervention. A control group comprised of 45 subjects received no intervention. Post-test evaluation was provided approximately two (2) months later. This study found that the risk communication provided was relatively ineffective in affecting individual change conducive to lowering the risk of contracting skin cancer from sun exposure. No one form of risk communication was found to be more effective than another. Over 40% of the test group was not concerned about contracting cancer, and over 60% of the test group still enjoyed getting a tan and found it relaxing. Statistical treatment of the data included t-tests, and McNemar's test of symmetry. Little evidence was found to support the notion that risk communication alone was effective in significantly changing individual attitudes and perceptions conducive to skin cancer prevention. Organizational liability must be limited through organizational change strategies which mandate sun exposure precautions and a commitment to risk management.