Three-Step Skincare Management System

One of the easiest and most effective ways to implement in the workplace, to mitigate the risk of occupational skin diseases, is a robust process for cleaning and caring for the skin.

Introduce this three-step occupational skincare management system in your organisation and take a proactive approach to preventing occupational skin disease.

Apply protection (pre-work) creams to clean skin prior to work and after washing hands. Having identified the type of risk your employees may be exposed when it comes to their skin, you can identify the best protection for them, and making sure this process is implemented in the workplace with signage and training where necessary.

Pre-work creams can help when contact with potentially hazardous substances cannot be avoided. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) guidelines, pre-work creams should be provided to employees who may come into contact with potentially hazardous substances.

Hand washing should occur at regular intervals during the working day, such as at the end of each work period, before and after breaks, and before and after visiting the toilet. Hands should always be thoroughly rinsed and properly dried, ideally by using a paper towel.

Making this a regular part of all employees' routines can significantly decrease the long-term effects of contamination.

Employers need to ensure that suitable facilities for the proper cleaning of hands are accessible to all employees. If the right pre-work creams are used, it might be possible to use milder hand cleansers, making sure frequent hand washing doesn't have a negative impact on the skin.

Apply restore (after-work) creams to clean hands at the end of the day/shift or prior to prolonged breaks. Applied to dry hands, specialist after-work creams replace the skins moisture lost by exposure to environmental contaminants.

According to HSE COSHH guidelines, restore creams should be provided to employees who may come into contact with potential hazardous substances.

People whose skin is more prone to being sore, chapped, or dry, may need to use creams that have special hydrating features, particularly if they are working in environments which might increase the risk of these conditions.

It is strongly recommended that skincare products are provided in specially designed, sealed cartridge dispensers, which are widely considered the most hygienic option. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination which can occur if a number of people extract a product from a communal or bulk container.

Skincare compliance can be further encouraged if products are not only effective and scientifically proven but are also pleasant to use too.

Modern dispensers also make sure the correct amount of product is provided every time, through measured shot sizes, making them the most cost-effective solution. Placed in strategic, accessible locations, they can also increase compliance which is crucial to prevent occupational dermatitis.

Getting the right advice and guidance are important to ensure the right skincare programme is chosen for your specific working environment. Regular site audits are vital to ensure your skincare management system continues to be effective. To help aid the selection of the right product for the right application, Arco has dedicated Industrial Skincare Specialists who can provide a unique bespoke on-site service to our customers.

Email: nick.foort@arco.co.uk

At Arco, we have a comprehensive range of skincare products that are suitable for different types of skin conditions, environments and usage to help reduce the risk of occupational dermatitis in the workplace.