Hand protection and skin health

Responding is Brandon Jones, president, Kutol Products, Cincinnati.

In industrial environments where workers’ hands are frequently exposed to harsh soils and chemicals, maintaining skin health is crucial. This type of repeated exposure is particularly common in the manufacturing, construction, printing, painting and automotive industries.

Employers have a responsibility to ensure their employees have access to effective and easy-to-use skin care products. A good first step is to implement a comprehensive hand care program – vital for preparing, cleaning and restoring hands subjected to extensive wear and tear.

General purpose hand soaps and sanitizers are great for “front of house” areas such as restrooms, offices and cafeterias. However, they’re likely insufficient for the deep cleaning commonly needed in “back of house” areas such as locker rooms, factory floors and warehouse/shipping areas.

Based on the type of soil being handled, soaps containing scrubbers – such as pumice, walnut shells or synthetic scrubbers – are highly effective. These soaps provide the necessary “grit” to break down and lift away stubborn grease and oil that accumulate on hands throughout the workday. Workers can achieve a deeper, more thorough clean, which helps maintain skin health and prevent the buildup of harmful substances.

Other heavy-duty options include solvent-based or solvent-free hand cleaners, hand wipes, and formulas that can be used without water. These products are often available in a variety of dispensing systems such as wall mount, gallon-sized, portable and bulk dispensing.

Repeated handling of irritants or allergens such as paints, adhesives, stains and other chemicals can cause occupational dermatitis – the most common industrial skin disease. Also referred to as contact dermatitis, symptoms include inflammation, redness, swelling, cracking, pain and intense itching of the skin. It can lead to employee downtime, lost productivity and health care costs.

Not only is an employee’s work impacted by this skin disease, but their quality of life is affected as well. Because people depend on their hands for so much, the symptoms of contact dermatitis can be frustrating and debilitating. If not managed, occupational dermatitis can spread to other parts of the body, becoming more difficult to treat.

In work environments where the risk of exposure exists, using proper skin care products can help avoid occupational dermatitis. Workers should use protective gloves when necessary and wash their hands regularly, including before and after wearing gloves. Heavy-duty hand creams applied before and after work help maintain proper skin health. The combination of cleansing hands and applying hand cream reduces the risk of occupational dermatitis.

Safeguarding workers’ hands in industrial settings isn’t just a matter of comfort, but a crucial aspect of overall workplace health and efficiency. By providing specialized hand care products and promoting diligent hand hygiene practices, employers can reduce the risk of occupational dermatitis. Prioritizing hand care is a practical and essential step toward fostering a healthier, safer workplace for everyone.

Editor's note: This article represents the independent views of the author and should not be considered a National Safety Council endorsement.