BSIF Campaign Tackles Preventable Work-Related Skin Diseases

A campaign calling on employers and workers to take practical steps to prevent work-related skin disease has been launched by the Building Safety Industry Federation (BSIF).

The It’s in your hands campaign highlights the scale of the problem and the fact that most cases are avoidable.

Work-related skin disease can lead to pain, discomfort and time away from work, and in serious cases, people may be forced to change jobs. It also results in millions of pounds in compensation and costs industry millions more in absence and retraining.

Dermatitis accounts for more than 70% of work-related skin disease cases. Hands are most at risk, although other parts of the body can also be affected.

Preventing Skin Diseases

The updated campaign guide sets out clear advice for employers and employees. It explains how to recognise early signs of dermatitis, including redness, swelling, cracking, itching and blistering of the skin. It also outlines legal duties under COSHH and other health and safety regulations, reminding employers that hazardous substances must be assessed and controlled before work begins.

A central message of the campaign is the need to reduce skin contact with hazardous substances and wet work. The guide promotes the principle of Safe Working Distance, encouraging businesses to avoid skin contact where possible, substitute harmful substances, introduce engineering controls and improve working practices before relying on personal protective equipment.

Where protective gloves and clothing are needed, the campaign stresses that selection must match the task, the substance, and the wearer. An “any gloves will do” approach can increase the risk of dermatitis rather than reduce it.

The guidance also covers the importance of skin care recommending suitable pre-work creams, mild skin cleansers and after-work moisturisers to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Regular skin checks are encouraged to support early detection and prevent more serious cases developing.

Outdoor workers are reminded of the risk of skin cancer from long-term exposure to the sun. The campaign advises the use of shade, protective clothing and a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen to protect exposed skin.

Making Skin Protection Routine

John Hooker, Chief Executive Officer of the BSIF, commented: “It’s in your hands builds on the strong foundations laid by the original campaign and the progress made across industry over the past two decades. We have seen encouraging signs that awareness and reporting have improved, but work-related skin disease remains far too common.

“Skin health should not be treated as an afterthought or only discussed when something goes wrong. It needs to be part of everyday health and safety management. Simple measures such as proper risk assessment, selecting the right gloves, reducing direct contact with harmful substances and encouraging early reporting can prevent long-term harm.

“This refreshed campaign is a reminder that prevention is practical and achievable. Employers and workers both have a role to play. By making skin protection routine, we can reduce avoidable illness, cut costs for business and protect people’s livelihoods.”

The updated guide includes sector-specific advice for industries ranging from manufacturing and construction to food service and personal care. It urges organisations of all sizes to share the campaign materials, review their risk assessments and make sure workers have access to suitable washing facilities, protective equipment and skin care products.

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