It’s In Your Hands campaign – Prevent work related skin disease

‘It’s in your hands’ was originally launched seven years ago to significantly reduce the incidence rate of work related skin disease. By providing information on what to look out for and evidence on how to protect workers against hazardous substances.

In 2013, the campaign has been updated and expanded to include up-to-date statistics on incidence of skin disease, advice on avoiding the risk of skin cancer and work related dermatitis, as well as skin care considerations by work area.

Work-related dermatitis can be caused by the skin coming into contact with some of the following agents; chemicals, frequent contact with water, biological agents and mechanical abrasion. Dermatitis accounts for over 70% of work-related skin disease.

Skin cancer can be caused by prolonged contact with carcinogens, such as mineral oils including engine, machine oils and coal tars. This is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with over 125,000 new cases being diagnosed each year in the UK and over 2,700 deaths each year.

The updated ‘It’s in your hands’ campaign provdies useful information on:

• The causes of work related skin disease
• Employers’ legal obligations to workers
• Measures to protect workers against skin disease

Employers are encouraged to read and circulate the booklet and put the poster up on notice boards to alert workers to the campaign.

The ‘It’s in your hands’ booklet and poster are free to download here: www.itsinyourhands.org