Occupational health skin surveillance is a process of monitoring the skin health of workers who are at risk of developing work-related skin conditions due to exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.
Occupational health skin surveillance is essential for protecting workers from the harmful effects of occupational skin diseases.
Employers are responsible for implementing appropriate measures to prevent skin diseases, including providing appropriate protective equipment, implementing safe work practices, and providing training and education to workers on how to protect their skin from hazards in the workplace.
The purpose of occupational health skin surveillance is to identify and prevent occupational skin diseases such as dermatitis and other skin conditions caused by exposure to chemicals, irritants, and physical agents.
The process involves a systematic approach to assess and monitor skin health using various methods such as skin examinations, questionnaires, and skin testing.
Skin testing may be done using patch testing or other diagnostic tests to identify the specific cause of skin irritation or allergic reactions. These tests can help identify the specific substances that may be causing skin reactions, and enable the employer to take appropriate measures to prevent further exposure.