Occupational health skin surveillance is a proactive process that monitors the skin health of employees exposed to hazardous substances or irritants at work. By detecting early signs of dermatitis, allergic reactions, or other work-related skin conditions, surveillance helps protect workers from long-term damage and ensures employers meet their HSE and COSHH compliance obligations. Employers have a duty to implement effective controls—such as protective equipment, safe working practices, and staff training—while regular skin surveillance provides the assurance that these measures are working and keeps employees safe, healthy, and productive.
Occupational Skin Surveillance is a preventive health service for employees exposed to skin hazards. It helps detect early signs of dermatitis, allergic reactions, or other skin conditions before they become severe or chronic. By monitoring exposure and symptoms, employers can reduce health risks, ensure compliance, and support workforce well-being.
Wet work and frequent hand washing
Chemical irritants and allergens (e.g. solvents, cleaning agents, detergents)
Oils, greases, metalworking fluids
Abrasive or physical agents (dust, friction)
UV exposure (whether from natural or manufactured sources)
Health and exposure questionnaire to understand frequency, type, and severity of exposure
Visual examination of hands, forearms, face as needed
Photo documentation (if required) to track progression
Patch testing to confirm allergic contact dermatitis when suspected
Recommendations on glove use, barrier creams, hygiene practices
How often depends on level of exposure and risk, occurrence of symptoms, regulatory codes, and new substances introduced. Regular assessments often take place annually or more frequently for high exposure or risk situations.
After every assessment you receive:
Individual skin health outcomes
Advice on exposure control and protective measures
Management summary identifying trends
Recommendations for follow-up or specialist treatment if required
Early intervention saves medical costs and protects staff from long-term illness
Reduced sick days and improved productivity
Compliance with HSE and COSHH regulations
Increased staff satisfaction and fewer complaints
Provide us with your exposure types, employee numbers, and location(s), and we’ll build a surveillance programme suited to your workplace risks.
Skin surveillance is a process of regularly monitoring the skin health of workers exposed to irritants, chemicals, or physical agents to detect early signs of occupational skin disease.
Employees who frequently handle chemicals, solvents, wet work, or skin irritants—such as cleaners, hairdressers, laboratory staff, food prep, or manufacturing roles—should have skin surveillance.
Assessments usually include a questionnaire, visual inspection of skin, patch testing (if an allergic contact is suspected), and advice on protective equipment and hygiene.
Typically conducted at baseline, periodically (often annually), or whenever new irritants are introduced or skin symptoms emerge.
If early signs are found, guidance is provided on control measures — such as changing substances, using protective gloves, improving washing protocols — and referral to specialist medical review if needed.
Yes. All personal medical information is handled under strict clinical governance and data protection laws; only required summary results are shared with management.
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