From the CEO's desk

Dermatitis is an incredibly debilitating disease which can cause the sufferer extreme distress, with many having to give up work. However, by taking a sensible and practical approach to preventing dermatitis, this can be avoided. 

The BSIF, along with a number of prominent industry bodies and companies including HSE and Safety Groups UK, has developed an initiative offering advice to companies and employees to prevent this disease. The ‘It’s in Your Hands’ information aims to offer simple and straightforward advice.

The campaign was originally launched in 2006 and made a significant impact on the incidence rate of dermatitis within the target sectors of hairdressing and car maintenance. In 2013, the information has been updated and widened to target more industries, featuring more detail specifically focusing on how to avoid skin cancers.

The information has been carefully investigated by recognised bodies and organisations such as the HSE, the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) and British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), as well as being included in the Health Risks at Work campaign from Safety Groups UK.

Whether you are an employee or an employer, make sure you don’t become the victim of work-related skin disease. The vast majority of work-related skin disease cases are preventable by adopting simple steps to manage risk. This information can be found through downloading the ‘It’s in Your Hands’ booklet from the BSIF website (www.bsif.co.uk) , as well as a poster to be used in the workplace.

David Lummis
The BSIF Chief Executive Officer
www.bsif.co.uk