Skin hazards in the workplace: protecting your employees

The skin, being the largest organ in the human body, plays a vital role in protecting us from external threats, regulating body temperature, and allowing us to sense our environment. However, in the workplace, especially in industries such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture, the skin is exposed to a variety of hazards that can lead to serious health issues. Understanding these dangers and implementing effective protective measures is crucial for employers to ensure the wellbeing of their employees.

Common skin hazards in the workplace

Workplace skin hazards can be categorised into several types, each posing different risks:

Chemical exposure:

• Irritants: Many workplace environments involve the use of chemicals that can irritate the skin, leading to conditions like contact dermatitis. Common irritants include cleaning agents, solvents, and certain industrial chemicals.
• Allergens: Some chemicals can cause allergic reactions, even in small amounts. This can lead to allergic contact dermatitis, which might persist long after exposure.
• Corrosive substances: Strong acids, alkalis, and other corrosive materials can cause immediate burns and damage to the skin, sometimes leading to permanent scarring.

Physical hazards:

• Abrasions and cuts: In jobs involving manual handling, machinery, or sharp tools, the risk of abrasions, cuts, and punctures is high.
• Extreme temperatures: Exposure to extreme heat can cause burns, while extreme cold can lead to frostbite or cold-related skin conditions. Both extremes can significantly damage skin tissues.
• Radiation: Certain jobs involve exposure to UV radiation (from welding, for example) or ionising radiation (in medical settings), both of which can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Biological skin hazards in the workplace:

• Infectious agents: Healthcare workers, lab technicians, and those in agriculture are often exposed to bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can infect the skin. Conditions such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) are a significant concern.
• Plants and animals: Workers in agriculture, forestry, and outdoor jobs may come into contact with plants that cause allergic reactions or animals that can bite or sting, leading to skin infections or allergic reactions.

Environmental hazards:

• Prolonged sun exposure: Employees who work outdoors are at an increased risk of UV radiation exposure, which can lead to sunburn, premature ageing of the skin, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
• Humidity and wet work: Prolonged exposure to water, particularly in industries like cleaning, food processing, and construction, can lead to skin maceration and increase the risk of dermatitis.

Impact of skin conditions on employees and the workplace

Conditions resulting from skin hazards in the workplace can have significant implications not just for the affected employees but also for the overall business:

Health and wellbeing:

• Chronic conditions: Conditions such as dermatitis can become chronic, requiring ongoing medical treatment and potentially leading to long-term disability.
• Psychological impact: Visible skin conditions can cause psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.

Productivity loss:

• Absenteeism: Employees suffering from severe skin conditions may require time off work, leading to increased absenteeism.
• Reduced efficiency: Even if employees continue to work, skin conditions can lead to discomfort, reduced concentration, and lower productivity.

Legal and financial risks:

• Compensation claims: Employees who suffer from work-related skin conditions may file compensation claims, leading to financial liabilities for the employer.
• Reputation damage: Failing to protect employees from skin hazards can harm an organisation’s reputation, affecting both employee morale and customer trust.

Legal obligations for employers

In the UK, employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees, including protecting them from skin hazards in the workplace. This obligation is governed by several pieces of legislation:

Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974:

This act requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees at work. This includes taking steps to prevent skin conditions caused by workplace hazards.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, 2002:

These regulations require employers to control substances that can cause harm to workers’ health. This includes assessing the risk of skin exposure to hazardous substances and implementing measures to reduce exposure.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, 1992:

Employers must provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and relevant guidance to employees when risks cannot be controlled by other means. PPE should include items like gloves, aprons, and face shields that protect the skin from harmful exposure.

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), 2013:

Employers are required to report certain work-related skin diseases, such as dermatitis, to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Best practices for protecting employees from skin hazards in the workplace

To mitigate the risk of skin-related health issues, employers should implement comprehensive strategies that include prevention, protection, and education:

Risk assessment and management:

• Identify hazards: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential skin hazards in the workplace.
• Control measures: Implement control measures to eliminate or reduce skin hazards, such as substituting harmful chemicals with safer alternatives, automating processes to reduce manual handling, or improving ventilation to reduce exposure to harmful vapours.

Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Appropriate selection: Provide employees with PPE that is suitable for the specific risks in their workplace. For example, chemical-resistant gloves for handling corrosive substances, UV-protective clothing for outdoor workers, and protective face shields for welding tasks.
• Proper use and maintenance: Train employees on the correct use, fit, and maintenance of PPE. Regularly inspect PPE for signs of wear and tear and replace it as necessary.

Skin care programmes:

• Education and training: Educate employees about the importance of skin care and how to recognise early signs of skin problems. Provide training on safe working practices, such as proper handwashing techniques and the correct use of protective creams.
• Provision of skin care products: Provide suitable skin care products, including mild soaps, moisturisers, and protective barrier creams, to help employees maintain healthy skin.
• Regular monitoring: Encourage employees to report any skin issues early and conduct regular skin health checks to catch problems before they become severe.

Workplace hygiene and cleanliness:

• Regular cleaning: Ensure that workplaces are kept clean and free from contaminants that could cause skin irritation or infection.
• Waste management: Implement proper waste disposal methods, particularly for hazardous substances, to minimise skin exposure.

Promote a skin-friendly environment:

• Control temperature and humidity: Maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level in the workplace to prevent skin dryness and irritation.
• Breaks and rest periods: Ensure employees take regular breaks, particularly in environments with harsh conditions, to reduce prolonged exposure to skin hazards.

Incident reporting and response:

• Encourage reporting: Create a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting skin problems without fear of reprisal. Prompt reporting can lead to early intervention and prevent more serious issues.
• Immediate action: Respond quickly to any reported skin issues, providing access to medical care if necessary and reviewing workplace practices to prevent recurrence.

Protecting the skin health of employees is not only a legal obligation for employers but also a crucial aspect of workplace safety and productivity. By understanding the various skin hazards in the workplace and implementing robust protective measures, employers can create a safer, healthier environment for their workers. This proactive approach not only reduces the risk of skin-related health issues but also fosters a positive workplace culture, enhances employee wellbeing, and ultimately contributes to the success of the organisation. Investing in skin protection is an investment in your employees’ health and your company’s future.