Construction work can be tough on the skin. From contact with hazardous substances to prolonged sun exposure, workers face daily risks that can lead to serious skin conditions, including dermatitis, chemical burns and even skin cancer.
Protecting your skin isn’t just about comfort – it’s essential for long-term health and safety. Find out more about the dangers and what you can do to reduce the health risks in our latest Focus on Safety blog.
What’s the problem?
Research suggests that occupational dermatitis accounts for 10-15% of all work-related illnesses. Construction workers are particularly vulnerable, with some studies showing that they are 100 times more likely to develop contact dermatitis than workers in other industries.
Additionally, construction workers have an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure, with outdoor workers receiving up to 10 times more UV radiation than indoor workers. These statistics highlight just how important it is for construction workers to get serious about skin protection.
The hidden dangers to your skin
Construction workers are frequently exposed to substances that can cause skin irritation or long-term damage. These include:
- Wet cement – This can cause severe burns and allergic reactions.
- Solvents and adhesives – Found in paints, glues and coatings, these can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Oils, greases and fuels – Prolonged exposure to such substances can lead to dermatitis and other skin conditions.
- Bitumen and epoxy resins – Common in roadwork and waterproofing, these can cause allergic reactions and chemical burns.
Repeated contact with these substances without proper protection can result in painful and sometimes career-ending skin conditions.
How to protect your skin
While some exposure is unavoidable in construction, simple precautions can help prevent serious skin problems:
- Use barrier creams and moisturisers – These help to maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier.
- Wear appropriate gloves – Choose gloves suited to the specific chemicals or materials you’re handling.
- Wash thoroughly and regularly – Clean skin reduces the risk of irritation and chemical absorption. Use mild cleansers rather than harsh soaps.
- Follow safety guidelines – If handling hazardous substances, always use the correct protective gear and follow COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) guidance.
A note on sun safety
People who work outdoor are at a higher risk of skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure. Simple steps like wearing long sleeves, applying sunscreen and seeking shade where possible can make a significant difference.
While protecting your skin from sun damage is important throughout the entire year, we know this is something people think about more during warmer months so we’ll come back to this subject in more detail when the sun makes its return.
Looking after your most valuable tool
Your hands and skin are vital to your work. Ignoring skin protection can lead to painful, long-term conditions that might even force you to leave the industry. Taking a few simple steps now can prevent bigger problems down the line.
Do you have any tips for keeping your skin safe on site? Join the conversation on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages and share your advice!
17.03.2025
Feature image: Freepik
