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August 8, 2017

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Advice: Tackling occupational skin disorders

Up to 40% of workers will suffer a skin issue at some point in their working life[1]. Paul Jakeway, marketing director at skin care expert Deb, explains the necessity for employers to provide construction workers with the appropriate products, training and education to effectively protect their skin from occupational skin disorders.

The skin is the body’s largest single organ – and it is an organ which is often placed under considerable strain in the workplace. Whether it’s exposure to potentially irritating or harmful substances, working in difficult conditions such as hot or cold weather, or the frequent use of products such as cleansers throughout the day – a workplace environment has the potential to damage the skin of employees, with serious consequences.

Occupational skin disorders are skin problems acquired in the workplace which can range from mild, short-term skin irritations to more serious conditions such as occupational dermatitis or even skin cancer. Occupational skin disorders are the second most common work-related health problem in Europe[2]. According to figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an estimated 84,000 people in the UK have dermatitis which has been caused or made worse by their workplace[3].

Naturally, the prevalence of occupational skin disorders in the workplace can have a marked impact on both employers and employees. It has been estimated that they have cost the EU €600m each year – resulting in around three million lost working days[4]. Companies might not only have to pay the salary of employees who are absent due to occupational skin disorders; they might also have to cover the overtime incurred by those stepping in, as well as any overall losses. If employees leave, recruitment, training and support costs will loom. If news of incidents spread, bad publicity is also inevitable.

Compliance

It’s crucial that employers understand that in the workplace, it is not only essential to observe hand hygiene compliance. The skin must also be effectively protected from the working environment. To guarantee this, it has been suggested that employers provide a combination of:

  • Essential occupational skin care products to be used before, during and after work takes place.
  • Audits, surveys and skin evaluations.
  • Training and education to improve skin care best practice and compliance whilst at work.

When it comes to the types of products they should use, it is advised that employers in the construction industry implement a four step skin care programme for workers – protect, cleanse, sanitise and restore. Protective creams should be applied before work takes place, and work by leaving a protective layer on the surface of the skin.

This type of cream is able to reduce direct contact with specific types of physical contaminants, help retain natural lipids and moisture in the skin, improve comfort and skin strength when wearing gloves at work, and make the skin quicker and easier to clean.

It is vital that the skin is protected from harmful or potentially irritant substances whilst at work, but similarly, the skin must also be effectively protected from the outdoor environment. In any outdoor environment, particularly the construction industry, the use of UV protection creams are essential.

On average, workers in the construction sector can spend up to seven hours a day outside. Despite this, only 59% of construction workers regularly apply sun cream[5]. Of course, neglecting to use sun cream can have dangerous consequences for workers’ skin. The IOSH has estimated that each year, 1,700 people develop skin cancer from sun exposure at work[6]. However, if exposure to UV rays were better controlled by employers and employees, 90% of skin cancers could be prevented[7].

Colder climates

UV rays present a considerable risk for employees – but colder climates can impact upon employees’ skin too. The combination of a dramatic drop in humidity and colder temperatures in the winter months can cause hands to become dry and chapped – predecessors of an occupational skin disorder.

Where workers are faced with a cold working environment, it is advisable that pre-work creams which have been specially developed to prevent the hands from becoming dry under cold working conditions are used. These creams will often also contain glycerine, panthenol and allantoin – ingredients which help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.

Employees must also use appropriate hand cleansers after potential contamination occurs. Sanitisers should be used where higher levels of hand hygiene are required, or when access to clean water isn’t available in the workplace.

Restorative creams are also important. Applied at the end of each day, they moisturise, nourish and condition the skin, improving its strength and preventing it from becoming dry or damaged.

Effective skin protection is more than just products

Not only must employers ensure that the right products are provided to its workers, but, according to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, they must also conduct risk assessments where hazards can consequently be identified[8]. From this, the risks to the skin can be assessed, reducing its impact on employees.

Obtaining as much vital information as possible on employee skin care is crucial, and can be obtained via regular audits, where one-to-one reviews can be organised with staff to evaluate the skin’s condition.

To promote skin care best practice in the workplace, it is advisable that employees receive training and education on occupational skin disorders, how they can be prevented, and which products are appropriate for them to use.

Employers are encouraged to provide its employees with training sessions, instructional multimedia programmes, safety signs, personal issue cards and posters to develop a skin care management system. It is widely believed that implementing skin care best practice is essential in driving behaviour change and consequently reducing the risk of occupational skin disorders.

Technology

It is this combination between products, information and training which is imperative in maximising employee skin protection. To further drive compliance, technology can also assist both employers and employees in choosing the creams to keep their skin safe and healthy.

Apps, like one created by Deb, guide users through a number of short questions, before identifying products that are best suited for the nature of the work, the specific work environment, and an individual’s skin condition. .

Ultimately, when it comes to protecting employees’ skin, it is crucial that a collaborative approach is implemented by employers. Their efforts should comprise of a combination of superior products, vital information and the highest standards of behaviour to ensure that hands remain healthy and productive at work.

References

[1] Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

[2] European Agency for Safety and Health at Work

[3] Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – http://www.hse.gov.uk/food/dermatitis.htm

[4] European Agency for Safety and Health at Work – https://osha.europa.eu/en/tools-and-publications/publications/factsheets/40

[5] IOSH No Time To Lose Solar Campaign

[6] IOSH No Time To Lose Solar Campaign

[7] IOSH No Time To Lose Solar Campaign

[8] HSE Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

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In this episode  of the Safety & Health Podcast, ‘Burnout, stress and being human’, Heather Beach is joined by Stacy Thomson to discuss burnout, perfectionism and how to deal with burnout as an individual, as management and as an organisation.

We provide an insight on how to tackle burnout and why mental health is such a taboo subject, particularly in the workplace.

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