EMPLOYERS RESPONSIBILITY
There are numerous items of legislation & regulations that are designed to protect the welfare of employees and customers alike, where appropriate. It is the employers’ responsibility to provide a safe working environment and to identify any potential health & hygiene risks and take appropriate action to eliminate or at least reduce these to a safe level.
Skin care & skin hygiene are important factors that all companies have to consider. For each sector of industry the requirements are likely to vary and an appropriate tailored approach is essential.
SKIN CARE
Helping to keep skin in good condition and prevent the incidence of Occupational Dermatitis – inflammation to the skin caused by the working environment or contact with a damaging substance whilst at work.
- Can be unsightly and caused discomfort and pain
- Over half working time lost through industrial diseases is due to dermatitis
- Many cases result in an average of 2 months absence from work
- Cost to UK companies estimated to be at least £59m per annum
- Most cases of skin problems are NOT reported so situation in reality is much worse
By introducing an appropriate "Skin Care Management System", occupational dermatitis can be prevented.
SKIN HYGIENE
Where skin is kept physically clean & healthy and the removal of micro-organisms that could otherwise be potentially transferred to food and lead to contamination.
- 39% of staff neglect to wash their hands after visits to the toilet whilst at work*
- 53% of staff do not appear to wash their hands before preparing food*
- Hands are the main vehicle for transporting food poisoning bacteria to high risk food
- Poor skin condition, e.g. sore & chapped hands, increases the risk of cross-contamination
The key to adopting good skin care & skin hygiene practices in any business is employee compliance, which can be achieved by having....
- Good, appropriately sited facilities
- Quality products that encourage regular usage
- Training & communication to encourage product usage and the correct method of use
- Ongoing monitoring & review
*Source: Food Standards Agency "catering workers hygiene survey 2002"
EUROPEAN NORMS
EN 1499 – Assesses the antimicrobial effectiveness of hand wash soaps
EN 1500 – Assesses the antimicrobial effectiveness of "leave-on" skin sanitisers