Skin Protection and Dermatitis

Occupational dermatitis is inflammation of the skin caused by contact with irritant or sensitising substances.
Construction workers are at high risk due to exposure to cement, solvents, epoxy resins, and wet work.
Irritant contact dermatitis develops from repeated exposure and affects the outer skin layers.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the immune system reacts to a specific substance such as chromium VI.
Once sensitised, even tiny amounts of the substance trigger a reaction that worsens with each exposure.
Symptoms include redness, itching, cracking, blistering, and painful dry skin, usually on the hands.
Dermatitis can end careers; severe cases prevent workers from handling any construction materials.
COSHH 2002 requires employers to assess skin exposure risks and provide appropriate protective measures.
Barrier creams provide a thin layer of protection but are not a substitute for gloves and good hygiene.
Health surveillance including regular skin checks is required for workers exposed to dermatitis-causing substances.

Career-ending disease	Severe occupational dermatitis forces workers to leave the construction industry permanently, ending their livelihoods.
Very common	Dermatitis accounts for a significant proportion of all occupational disease cases reported in UK construction.
Preventable	Almost all cases of occupational dermatitis are preventable with the right gloves, hygiene, and skin care.

Do

Don't

Wear the correct gloves for the substance being handled every time.
Apply barrier cream before work and moisturiser after washing your hands.
Wash hands with mild soap and warm water; dry them thoroughly afterwards.
Report any skin redness, itching, cracking, or blistering to your supervisor.
Attend skin checks as part of the health surveillance programme on site.
Read the safety data sheet to identify skin hazards before using chemicals.
Change gloves if they become torn, punctured, or contaminated inside.
Remove wet or contaminated clothing promptly to prevent prolonged skin contact.
Use tools and equipment to minimise direct skin contact with cement and chemicals.
Keep your skin clean but avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive hand cleaners.

DON'T handle cement, solvents, or resins with bare hands at any time.
DON'T ignore early signs of dermatitis; early treatment prevents it getting worse.
DON'T use white spirit, turpentine, or diesel to clean your skin.
DON'T wash hands with very hot water or abrasive cleaners that strip skin oils.
DON'T wear the same gloves all day if they are wet, torn, or contaminated inside.
DON'T assume barrier cream alone is enough protection against chemical exposure.
DON'T delay reporting skin problems; sensitisation becomes permanent once established.
DON'T share gloves with other workers; contamination transfers easily between users.
DON'T kneel in wet cement or allow it to enter the tops of your boots.
DON'T skip health surveillance skin checks when they are offered to you.

See also: COSHH Awareness | Cement and Concrete Burns

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