Skin takes a beating in industrial workplaces. It gets knocked, scraped and jabbed. It comes in contact with chemicals, harsh substances, oils, dirt, heavy grease and bacteria. Daily work activities compromise the skin’s system of renewal and protection, leaving the body vulnerable to a variety of infections and diseases.

In fact, skin disease and hand injuries make up one of the largest categories of occupational illnesses and can result in lost work time and increased company costs. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates annual costs (including workdays and loss of productivity associated with occupational skin diseases) approach $1 billion annually.

Workers with dry, damaged, itchy and irritated skin are a common sight in many plants. And while there aren’t any OSHA standards or guidelines related to skin cleansers or handwashing, the need to protect workers is clear. Therefore, it’s important for industrial hygienists, safety professionals and employees to understand their options and choose correct skin care products and practices.

Contact dermatitis
One of the most common problems in industrial workplaces — where heavy dirts/greases and frequent handwashing are common — is contact dermatitis, an inflammation that occurs when an irritating substance comes in contact with the skin, causing an abnormal reaction. Physical and mechanical trauma as well as wet work environments contribute to contact dermatitis.

According to NIOSH, allergic and irritant dermatitis (contact dermatitis) is overwhelmingly the most important cause of occupational skin diseases, which account for 15 to 20 percent of all reported occupational diseases. However, NIOSH admits such diseases are severely underreported. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes similar stats. In fact, BLS states that in 1998, approximately 53,000 cases of occupational skin diseases were reported, accounting for 14 percent of all work-related diseases.

The prevalence of reported cases of contact dermatitis is due, in part, to the increased use and sensitization of specialized chemicals in the workplace.

Causes and symptoms
The skin is made of three primary layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous. These layers work in harmony to offer protection, good skin health and skin cell renewal.

The epidermis is the thin outer layer of skin visible to the human eye. It provides the first barrier of protection from the invasion of foreign substances. Keeping the epidermis healthy bars irritants and protects the body from chemicals and bacteria.

The dermis is the layer of living skin beneath the epidermis. It contains immune cells involved in the defense against foreign invaders passing through the epidermis. Beneath the dermis is the subcutaneous layer, which contains hair follicles, sweat glands, blood vessels and nerves.

In industrial settings, many everyday chemicals and substances cause a sudden and strong reaction when they come in contact with the epidermis. Such substances include: acids, alkalis, oils, greases, solvents, detergents, plastics and resins. Harsh cleansers can also be a problem, especially when workers need to frequently wash their hands. Also, friction, pressure, abrasives and excessive moisture can traumatize the skin and result in contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis usually affects the hands, although other parts of the body are susceptible.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis are usually easy to spot. Areas of irritated skin may be red, swollen, tender, hot, painful or itchy. There also may be scaling as skin heals. Skin affected for several weeks by dermatitis tends to thicken and change to a deeper color. As well as causing pain or discomfort, dermatitis in severe cases results in long periods away from work.

Skin cleansers
Skin care products are expected to perform tough tasks, such as removing deep grime or killing bacteria, and yet are expected to leave skin feeling and smelling great. However, the very nature of heavy-duty cleansing, or killing bacteria, calls for active chemicals, many of which are unsafe or strip the skin of natural oils.

A variety of skin cleanser products are on the market, from general-purpose cleansers for light cleaning, to antimicrobial cleansers, to heavy-duty industrial cleansers and high-performance products.

In order to get employees to wash regularly and promote good skin hygiene, it’s important to select the appropriate cleanser for the task. For heavy-duty cleansing (grease, inks, paints, adhesives, cutting fluids, tar, etc.), you need a cleanser containing a solvent (petroleum- or natural citrus-based) enhanced with a grit to provide mechanical scrubbing. If water is available, consider a water-rinseable product vs. a waterless. Complete rinsing of the cleanser and contaminants results in the least amount of skin damage. If water isn’t available, a waterless product with a soft, absorbent wiper is appropriate.

Published data indicates plastic grit is less damaging to the skin than grits from ground nut shells and corn cobs. Pumice and mineral scrubbers tend to be the harshest. In all cases, work with the soap manufacturer to select cleansers that work and minimize damage.

The removal of many materials created by modern technology requires the use of specialized cleansers. These special cleansers were made to remove materials like epoxies, resins, mastics and other synthetics safely and effectively. Again, work with the manufacturer to select an appropriate product.

For less demanding cleansing situations, a general-purpose cleanser containing no solvent or grit product is recommended. Choose the least aggressive cleanser that effectively removes the contaminants.

Creams and lotions
Before work, use creams as part of a skin care routine that helps protect hands, especially around the nail area. Such creams should absorb quickly and not be greasy. Lotions used after work should also contain additives to leave the skin feeling supple and replenished.

If employees complain about the greasy feeling associated with before-work creams, they probably use too much cream or don’t allow the cream to penetrate the skin.

By applying the right amount of product several minutes before work, the cream has a chance to penetrate the skin and hands won’t feel greasy.

Some before-work "barrier creams" claim to protect skin from harmful chemicals. That is open to interpretation. Most experts agree that a properly selected barrier cream potentially acts as a protective layer on the skin to accumulate soils and irritants and make them easier to remove during cleansing. However, relying on a barrier cream to shield the skin may create a false sense of security because movement, friction, abrasive materials, etc., leaves skin exposed. If you choose to provide or use a barrier cream, consult the manufacturer to determine the right one for you.

There is wide agreement that the use of a moisturizing lotion after cleansing is very important. All chemicals and cleansers remove fats and oils and other important skin materials. Replacing these with a properly formulated lotion enhances the skin immediately and helps the skin repair itself.

Importance of dispensers
While cleanser choice directly relates to the condition of workers’ skin, correct dispensing system selection affects how well and often workers clean their hands.

Proper dispensing systems encourage use. Workers often complain they are too busy to wash up. Dispensers mounted in numerous convenient locations allow workers to quickly wash their hands.

Proper dispensing systems provide controlled dispensing for cost-effectiveness. They should be easy to activate with one hand or a forearm so the user doesn’t have to soil the dispenser when hands are contaminated or dirty.

This article is provided by the Kimberly-Clark Skin Wellness Institute, whose focus is to improve skin health through research and education. For more information, visit www.kcskinhealth.com.

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