Clearview National December 2019 - Issue 217 | Page 66

INSTALLERSUPPORT BATTLING OCCUPATIONAL SKIN DISORDERS THIS WINTER As the winter months are drawing nearer, days get shorter and temperatures drop, and for those who work outdoors, summer can start to feel like a distant memory. As many installers will know, working with common workplace contaminants such as dirt, oil and grease can seriously affect the skin – and in winter, this can be compounded. » MANY ON THE JOB RESORT TO disposable gloves to protect the hands, but these come with their own problems. The cold and wet weather we experience during the winter months only increases the risks to skin and hands. There are many important tools for the job, but most installers know that the hands are crucial – so looking after them is key. Good skin care is a vital part of health and safety, and proper handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent occupational skin disorders (OSDs). OSDs affect a huge number of people who work with their hands and more awareness needs to be raised around the issue in the trades. In fact, around 40% of workers will be affected at some point in their career . Dry, cracked and sore skin may be a common sight for installers, but it isn’t something to suffer through – it can lead to seriously unpleasant, long-term skin disorders such as eczema or dermatitis. One of the reasons OSDs are particularly prevalent among installers is the frequent contact with contaminants. Contact with the hands either via surfaces or tools can soon take its toll, and if the hands are damp or wet for prolonged periods of time, without use of proper skin care products, you run the risk of developing an OSD. OSDs are particularly prevalent during the winter months – at this time of year, cold weather can be especially harsh on the hands. A porous organ, the skin loses water vapour constantly via evaporation into the surrounding environment. When the air is cooler and the humidity drops, moisture in the skin tends to evaporate more quickly, leaving it drier – even more so if it is windy, and you are exposed to the elements on the job! Coupled with the use of car or van heaters during the winter months, your hands can be left in poor condition. 66 » DEC 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M Although necessary for keeping you warm on the move, heaters can actually end up accelerating the skin’s moisture loss. Whilst handwashing is key for healthy skin, most workers are also tempted to warm up with hot water when it gets chillier. This can also dehydrate skin, as the heat can strip it of protective oils – potentially exacerbating a skin disorder. Good skin care in winter is therefore essential. When protecting skin on the hands, the skin care experts at Swarfega recommend a three-step approach; protection, cleansing and restoring: • Before work, apply a good protection cream – helps make the skin easier to clean and helps to strengthen the upper layer of the skin, this also means that a gentler hand cleaner can be used after a shift. This in turn, is kinder on the skin in cold weather. • Before grabbing the nearest hand cleaner to the sink, consider what kind of soiling you’re tackling. You may be using a cleaner that is too weak or strong – both of which can land your skin in poor condition. Aim for the mildest cleaner that will still do the job, as this will help avoid loss of the skin’s natural oils. • Clean hands regularly throughout the day and apply a restoring moisturiser at the end of a shift – perhaps the most important step in winter. A restoration cream effectively hydrates stressed skin and replenishes any lost moisture. A combined approach with all three steps is the best way to protect the skin against harsh winter weather, particularly for those who work outdoors or on the move. To find out more about Swarfega’s skincare products, contact Swarfega at [email protected]