Pro Installer September 2019 - Issue 78 | Page 28

28 | SEPTEMBER 2019 Installer Support Installer Support is sponsored by Kayflow 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. that whilst on the road or work- ing 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 win- dow. With a study from Imperial College London finding that work- ing 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. The average UV level in Septem- ber in the UK is 4, and the official recommendation is to take precau- tions when the level is 3 or above. Swarfega advise the below when working outdoors: • Sun cream is often the most practical option for exposed parts of the body. Being a mo- bile worker, it can be tough to make sure you have the right skin care products to hand, but dispenser units can be installed with sun protection cream. • Choose a broad-spectrum high SPF sun cream and cover up with clothing where possi- ble. • Apply sun protection cream 15-20 minutes before expo- sure to sunlight and reapply- ing every 2 hours, more often if you are sweating heavily. Limited access to clean run- ning 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 com- pound this and exacerbate existing issues, sometimes leading to oc- cupational 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-com- mon 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 seri- ous cases of OSD. Skin care experts Swarfega have 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 regu- lar handwashing. Speaking of which, the most appropriate hand cleaner should always be select- ed – 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, es- pecially 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 Simple changes and additions to your skin care range can make a huge difference when working on the move – with the right prod- ucts, 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]