Relaunched campaign tackles preventable work-related skin disease

Developed through the BSIF’s Special Interest Group the campaign has been designed to provide information on how to keep safe whilst at work.

Work related skin disease (WRSD) remains one of the most common yet preventable occupational health issues in the UK. Dermatitis alone accounts for more than 70% of WRSD cases and continues to impact thousands of workers every year—often causing long term pain, lost income, career changes, and significant employer costs in sickness absence, retraining and compensation. Despite this, most cases can be avoided through simple, practical control measures.

Originally launched in 2006, It’s in your hands successfully raised national awareness of WRSD, contributing to a measurable reduction in reported cases. The newly revised 2026 edition significantly expands the scope of the original campaign, with renewed emphasis on early detection, risk reduction, legal responsibilities, and practical sector specific guidance for employers and workers.

The updated campaign highlights three major areas of preventable harm:

• Work related dermatitis, often caused by chemical exposure, repeated wet work, friction or contaminated surfaces.
• Skin exposure to hazardous substances, including irritants, sensitisers, carcinogens and corrosives.
• UV related skin cancer risks, particularly for outdoor workers and professional drivers.

Central to the campaign is the principle of Safe Working Distance (SWD)—a structured approach to reducing direct skin contact with hazardous agents through elimination, substitution, engineering controls, improved work practices and, where necessary, appropriate personal protective equipment.

The 2026 brochure also provides clear advice on the correct use of protective gloves, effective skin care routines (pre work creams, cleansers and moisturisers), the importance of regular skin checks, and sector specific considerations for industries such as construction, manufacturing, food processing, hairdressing and cleaning.

With WRSD costing UK industries millions each year—and 86% of melanoma cases deemed preventable—the campaign reinforces that protecting skin is not only a legal duty, but a critical element of safeguarding worker wellbeing.

All UK employers are encouraged to download the updated materials, share them with staff and integrate the guidance into everyday health and safety practices.

You can download the It’s in your hands campaign here: It’s in your hands Campaign