The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has relaunched a campaign to help workers prevent work-related skin issues.
The It’s in your hands campaign calls on employers and staff to take practical steps to stop skin diseases in their tracks.
Preventing Work Related Skin Disease
The BSIF says most cases are avoidable and work-related skin disease can lead to pain, discomfort and time away from work.
In serious cases, people may be forced to change jobs. It also says such issues can cost industries millions in absence and retraining and compensation.
A campaign guide gives clear advice to employers and employees on recognising the early signs of dermatitis, including redness, swelling, cracking, itching and blistering of the skin.
Dermatitis accounts for more than 70% of work-related skin disease cases. Hands are most at risk, although other parts of the body can also be affected.
Practical Workplace Skin Protection Measures
The guide also includes advice on substituting harmful substances, improving working practices, using moisturisers, gloves and how to protect from long-term exposure from the sun.
John Hooker, Chief Executive Officer of the British Safety Industry Federation: “It’s in your hands builds on the strong foundations laid by the original campaign and the progress made across industry over the past two decades.
“We have seen encouraging signs that awareness and reporting have improved, but work-related skin disease remains far too common.
“Skin health should not be treated as an afterthought or only discussed when something goes wrong.
Embedding Skin Health into Safety Management
“It needs to be part of everyday health and safety management. Simple measures such as proper risk assessment, selecting the right gloves, reducing direct contact with harmful substances and encouraging early reporting can prevent long-term harm.
“This refreshed campaign is a reminder that prevention is practical and achievable. Employers and workers both have a role to play.
“By making skin protection routine, we can reduce avoidable illness, cut costs for business and protect people’s livelihoods.”
