Clearview National October 2019 - Issue 215 | Page 20

INDUSTRYNEWS ON THE MOVE AT WORK? SKIN CARE FOR MOBILE WORKERS » » FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF installers and tradesman; mobile work is part of the job. Finding an effective skin care solution is often easier when working in a fixed location such as a garage or construction site; permanent stations can be installed to provide products where they are most needed. However, when on the move, looking after the hands to the same standards, isn’t quite as simple. Limited access to clean running water and regular contact with contaminants and irritants can take its toll on the skin; dust, oil and grease are all culprits which tradesman will be all too familiar with. Occupational health and the promotion of worker wellbeing is vital when it comes to keeping businesses running smoothly, and skin care is an aspect of this which many argue needs more focus. Poor skin condition can compound this and exacerbate existing issues, sometimes leading to occupational skin disorders (OSDs); but it is a problem with a simple solution, that can make a huge difference. 65-year-old tradesman Geoff discussed his experience of OSDs: “It was so severe that I couldn’t grip. Not being able to make a cup of tea. Not being able to use a knife and fork properly. All these things affect the mental state of someone.” Widely underestimated, skin diseases are the second most-common work-related health problem in Europe , but what do you need to look out for? Cracked, swollen, sore or bleeding skin are major warning signs – if left untreated, they can develop into more serious cases of OSD. Skin care expert Swarfega has been looking after working hands since 1947, so they’re in a pretty good position to advise on how best to prevent OSDs. They recommend a three-step skin care programme: protect, cleanse and restore. Protection creams help strengthen the skin and make dirt easier to shift at the start of the day, whilst restoration creams nourish and moisturise the skin after a shift and a day of regular handwashing. Speaking of which, the most appropriate hand cleaner should always be selected – use something too harsh, and it may strip the skin’s natural oils, use something too weak, and it won’t remove contaminants properly. So how do mobile workers go about practising this skin care programme with busy days on the road and no access to water sources? Good quality wipes are hard to beat when it comes to skin care on the move. The ideal solution when you are without a sink, the best wipes on the market even remove oil-based paints, as well as grease and grime. A sealed container also means wipes are protected from contamination when in your van or car – unlike the oily rag you may usually reach for. If you’re looking to install something more long-term, mobile cradle systems are a great idea, especially in limited space. Ideal for the back of a van, systems can be installed with protection creams, sanitisers and moisturising creams, so there’s no excuse for skipping a step in Swarfega’s recommended programme. Some hand cleaners are even specially formulated to work without water – no tap, no problem. Sun protection is another common issue for workers on the move. It goes without saying that whilst on the road or working outdoors, exposure to UV is higher. Even when it’s overcast, up to 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through cloud and some UV rays can pass through your car window. With a study from Imperial College London finding that working outdoors could lead to one death and around five new cases of melanoma skin cancer a week, UV protection for outdoor workers is one of the most vital aspects of skin care. Simple changes and additions to your skin care range can make a huge difference when working on the move – with the right products, you can lower your risk of an OSD and boost general health and wellbeing at work. For more information on the Swarfega mobile dispenser units and wipes, head to toughbs.com or contact Swarfega at [email protected]. They can see clearly now » » SURREY INSTALLER P&P Glass is set to ramp up its marketing with Purplex after an impressive 12 months since linking up with the industry’s leading full- service marketing agency. Purplex has been generating between 50-100 leads per week for P&P – and there are big plans for future growth. Managing Director of P&P Glass, Tom Scanlon, met with the Purplex team to discuss their marketing strategy, which will 20 » OCT 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M include a showroom launch celebrating 35 years in business and local initiatives, such as a link up with a homeless charity. “Appointing Purplex to handle our marketing has been a fantastic decision, which the results back-up,” said Tom. “Their lead generation expertise has been hugely important in a difficult market to sustain our growth in the last 12 months. “But we don’t want to stop there, and the team at Purplex have come up with some exciting ideas moving forward. We appointed Purplex for their window industry expertise and it has helped provide the perfect marketing strategy for us.” Purplex’s Account and Strategy Director Sam Cross said: “We have some big ideas for P&P and look forward to continuing our partnership and helping take them to the next level.” www.purplexmarketing.com