Effective Prevention through Skin Protection
The four Pillars of Occupational Skin Protection
Prevention is the best medicine — a principle that also applies to occupational skin diseases. Consistent skin protection is the most effective way to preserve the health of heavily stressed skin. To be effective, protective measures must be implemented right from the start of occupational exposure; once skin damage has already occurred, it may be too late to prevent dermatitis.
An effective occupational skin protection concept includes preparatory measures taken before work, as well as the most gentle possible cleansing and effective care after stressful activities. All measures are coordinated both with each other and with the specific health risks associated with the respective work tasks.
Skin Protection
Most occupational skin exposures arise from contact with harmful substances. Protective ointments, creams, or gels are applied before work and, together with the stratum corneum of the epidermis, form an effective barrier. Essential for protection is precise knowledge of the substances the skin comes into contact with in the workplace.
Skin Cleansing
Choosing the right cleansing product is crucial: stressed skin must not be subjected to additional strain, while at the same time contaminants must be completely removed. A general rule of thumb applies: the stronger the cleansing effect, the greater the strain on the skin. Therefore, cleansing should be as mild as possible and only as strong as necessary. The type of contamination is also important in order to achieve optimal results with maximum skin protection.
Skin Care
Skin care products are essential for maintaining the skin’s barrier function in the long term. Applied after work, they provide moisture and supply the skin with fats or oils that keep the stratum corneum supple. In this way, they compensate for the loss of moisture and lipids caused by stress or cleansing.
Hand Disinfection
Hand disinfection is indispensable for protection against germs and pathogens. Disinfectants are effective while being gentle on the skin. Correct application is important: they should be applied to clean, dry hands and distributed evenly. Regular skin care supports the skin’s barrier function.
Designing and Implementing an effective Skin Protection Plan
1. Define work area/activity
What tasks does the employee perform specifically?
2. Identify and assess skin hazards
- Is there a risk from direct or indirect skin contact? (TRGS 401*)
- Is there a mechanical, biological, or physical hazard?
3. Determine and implement protective measures
- Substitution of hazardous substances, if possible
- Technical protective measures (e.g., closed systems)
- Organizational protective measures (e.g., order and cleanliness in the workplace)
- Personal protective measures (personal protective equipment)
- Regular occupational health examinations, if necessary
- Comprehensive employee training
- Clear labeling of workplaces and dispensers with pictograms
4. Documentation
- Record the risk assessment in writing
- Prepare operating instructions, group information sheets, etc.
- Create a hand and skin protection plan
5. Monitor effectiveness
- Regularly review the protective measures implemented
- Regularly check employee compliance with safety measures
* The Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances (TRGS) 401 – “Hazards from skin contact – identification, assessment, measures” – specifies the requirements and provisions of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance with regard to activities that place stress on the skin.