The Standard Issue 3 2022

3-MOMENTS TO
HELP KEEP YOUR
WORKFORCE HEALTHY
Here at SC Johnson Professional,
we know that you need to
be able to create safe and
healthy environments for your
workforce, as they may come
into contact with contaminants
and conditions which might be
harmful to their skin on a daily
basis. These conditions can
include colder weather and UV
radiation from sunlight, with
irritants ranging from occupational
chemical products to everyday
contaminants. These contaminants
can lead to an impaired skin
condition – a potentially invisible
threat to health, safety and
efficiency that largely goes
underreported in the workplace.
Impaired skin conditions range
from dry skin which may cause
your employees minor discomfort
whilst working, through to
dermatitis which carries more
severe health and wellbeing
consequences. We conducted skin
condition tests which found that
93% of workers had dry skin, with
72% having visual signs of skin
damage to their hands. [1] Further
research has found that 10-15%
of industrial workers suffer from
dermatitis at any one time, [2] with
each case having the potential to
cost an employer up to £6000. [3]
Where protective supplies such as
hard hats, hi-vis workwear and PPE
are clearly provided to protect your
workers from everyday risks, skin
protection may not be as visible.
Regular compliance with best
practice when it comes to work
skin safety creams is estimated
to be less than 10% [4] and your
employees may accept their skin
condition as part of the job, not
viewing skin care as a priority
at work.
A coalition of world leading
occupational dermatologists agree
that hand washing is not enough
to protect skin at work and have
created the 3-Moments for Skin
Care best practice guidance. The
guidance defines the 3-Moments
when your workers should apply
skin care products, to help
significantly reduce the risk of
occupational skin disease and
help keep skin in good condition.
These products include protective
skin creams, appropriate hand
cleansers and restore creams.
[1] SC Johnson Professional Skin Health Assessment Report 2017 with 417 workers at four companies across eight separate sites
[2] Luckhaupt et al; American Journal of Industrial Medicine 56-623-634 (2013)
[3] Diepgen TT.L. et al; Contact Dermatitis 2013; 69-88-106
[4] Independent Research Commissioned by SC Johnson Professional, 2017
HERE IS AN OVERVIEW OF EACH OF THESE 3-MOMENTS:
PROTECTIVE SKIN CREAMS used prior to and during work help to reduce direct skin
contact with workplace substances and environmental conditions. Use of protective
creams can make the skin quicker and easier to clean with milder hand cleaners, whilst
effectively retaining the skin’s natural oils and moisture. For your employees, this can
help to increase comfort whilst wearing gloves and can improve grip when using
hand-held tools.
PROPER HAND CLEANING throughout the working day using the appropriate cleansing
product helps prevent contaminants from becoming ingrained into the skin. Using hand
cleaners that are too heavy for what’s required can be harsh on the skin - whereas using
hand cleaners that are too light can lead to over-scrubbing and skin that hasn’t been
thoroughly cleaned.
RESTORE CREAMS at the end of the working day then help to maintain good skin
condition by supporting the skin’s natural barrier, making the skin feel smooth and supple
and preventing it from becoming dry, rough and cracked which can cause discomfort.
BROWSE OUR RANGE OF SKIN-FRIENDLY
WORKPLACE HAND CLEANERS
CLICK HERE