Skin Surveillance

At Essential Occupational Health Services (EOHS), our Skin Surveillance programme is a critical component of occupational health safety, designed to monitor and manage skin conditions arising from workplace exposures. This specialised service ensures that the skin health of employees is maintained, preventing the onset of occupational skin diseases which can be caused by various workplace hazards, including chemicals, irritants, or even prolonged use of personal protective equipment.

The Need for Skin Surveillance

Skin conditions can significantly affect an employee’s quality of life and ability to perform their job effectively. Conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, or chemical burns not only cause discomfort but can also lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and in severe cases, long-term disability. Skin Surveillance is essential for:

• Early Detection: Identifying early signs of skin disease allows for timely intervention, preventing conditions from worsening.

• Prevention: Understanding and mitigating the risks associated with workplace exposures can prevent the development of skin conditions.

• Compliance: Meeting health and safety obligations by protecting employees from workplace hazards that can affect their skin.

• Education and Awareness: Providing employees with the knowledge to protect their skin and recognize early signs of skin conditions.

How Skin Surveillance Works

Our approach to Skin Surveillance is comprehensive, involving several key components to ensure the effectiveness of the programme:

1. Risk Assessment: Identifying workplace hazards that could potentially harm the skin, such as chemicals, allergens, and physical irritants.

2. Initial Screening: Baseline assessments for new or at-risk employees to determine any existing skin conditions and establish a health record.

3. Regular Monitoring: Scheduled follow-up examinations to monitor the skin health of employees and detect any changes or new conditions early.

4. Personalised Advice: Offering individual guidance on skin care and protection measures specific to the nature of their work and identified risks.

5. Workplace Strategies: Recommending workplace adjustments or protective measures to reduce skin exposure to harmful substances or conditions.

Conditions Monitored in Skin Surveillance

Our programme is designed to detect and manage a range of skin conditions, including but not limited to:

• Contact Dermatitis: Both irritant and allergic reactions caused by direct contact with substances at work.

• Urticaria: Hives or welts that can be triggered by exposure to certain chemicals or physical factors like heat.

• Skin Infections: Conditions that may be facilitated by workplace conditions, such as bacterial or fungal infections.

• Chemical Burns: Skin damage resulting from exposure to corrosive substances.