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