When we think of workplace health and safety, it’s easy to focus on high-visibility risks – falls, heavy machinery, or musculoskeletal concerns. But one commonly overlooked area is occupational skin health. Every year, thousands of workers in the UK develop skin conditions like dermatitis due to exposure at work.
Skin Surveillance is a vital part of occupational health and should be implemented when employees are at risk of developing work-related skin conditions. In this blog, we explore five industries where skin surveillance isn’t just recommended, it’s essential.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing work frequently exposes employees to a wide range of irritants and sensitising agents, including:
- Cutting oils
- Coolants
- Solvents
- Adhesives
- Detergents
Constant contact with these substances, especially when combined with heat and repetitive work, can break down the skin’s natural barrier, increasing the risk of occupational dermatitis. In many cases, early signs go unnoticed until the condition becomes severe. Regular skin surveillance helps spot the warning signs early and supports compliance with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations.
Construction
The construction industry presents a wide mix of risk factors for skin conditions:
- Wet cement (a major cause of allergic contact dermatitis)
- Dust and grime
- Solvents, sealants, and paints
- Outdoor work and weather extremes
Construction workers often work without sufficient skin protection or regular skin checks. Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from harmful substances, including those that affect the skin. Skin surveillance programmes are vital to ensure that early symptoms are caught and managed effectively.
Cleaning
Professional cleaners are exposed daily to:
- Disinfectants
- Detergents
- Bleaches
- Frequent wet work
The repetitive exposure and constant hand-washing can lead to irritant contact dermatitis, especially without adequate PPE or skin care routines. Because many employers outsource cleaning work, they can overlook skin health surveillance – making it even more important to have a clear and consistent process in place.
Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
Hairdressers and beauty therapists often suffer from skin conditions due to:
- Hair dyes
- Bleaching agents
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Waxes and creams
- Repetitive hand washing
This industry has one of the highest rates of occupational skin disease in the UK. A 2021 study by the HSE reported that over 70% of hairdressers experienced work-related skin irritation during their career. With such high exposure to sensitising products, regular skin checks should be embedded as part of routine health surveillance.
Catering & Food Processing
Working in kitchens and food production environments involves:
- Frequent handwashing
- Handling raw food products
- Use of cleaning agents
- Wearing gloves for long periods
These factors can dry out the skin and increase the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Dermatitis not only affects the individual, but also raises hygiene and food safety concerns. Early intervention through skin surveillance helps keep workers healthy and ensures high standards of food hygiene are maintained.
Why Skin Surveillance Matters
COSHH requires employers to carry out health surveillance when:
- There’s a reasonable likelihood that skin exposure could result in disease, and
- It is possible to detect early signs of the disease through suitable procedures.
Skin surveillance involves:
- A visual check by a trained clinician
- Early identification of symptoms
- Advice on prevention and management
- Support for reasonable adjustments
Don’t Wait for Symptoms to Appear
Ignoring skin health can lead to long-term conditions, sickness absence, lost productivity, and compensation claims. For industries like the ones listed above, proactive skin surveillance is not just good practice – it’s a crucial step in fulfilling your duty of care.
At Acorn Occupational Health, we offer tailored Skin Surveillance Assessments as part of our wider Health Surveillance services. Whether you need a one-off assessment or a rolling programme, we’re here to support your compliance and protect your workforce.
Get in touch today to find out more about how our skin surveillance services can help you and your team.
📞 01260 277797
📧 website@acornoh.co.uk