Occupational Health Services for Skin Checks in Gloucestershire
Enquire NowAt Occupational Health Services, we provide specialist skin checks in Gloucestershire GL4 4 for employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances, irritants, or working conditions that can cause skin problems.
Regular monitoring helps identify conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, or allergic reactions at an early stage, protecting employees’ health and helping employers comply with UK workplace safety laws.
Since skin problems are among the most common occupational diseases in the UK, professional skin checks are a vital part of health surveillance in many industries.
Request a free quote for occupational health services for skin care assessments in Gloucestershire today.
What Are Occupational Health Skin Checks?
Occupational health skin checks in Gloucestershire are medical assessments carried out to monitor the health of employees’ skin.
They are designed to detect early signs of work-related skin conditions caused by contact with chemicals, oils, solvents, detergents, or even prolonged use of protective gloves.
By identifying problems early, skin checks prevent conditions from worsening and help employers put effective control measures in place.
Why Are Skin Checks Important in the Workplace?
Skin checks are important because many workplace-related skin conditions can lead to long-term health issues if left untreated.
Dermatitis, for example, can become a chronic condition, causing discomfort and potentially forcing employees to take time off work.
Early detection through occupational health checks reduces absence, improves employee wellbeing, and ensures that employers are meeting their legal duty to protect staff under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and COSHH regulations.
Which Industries Require Skin Checks?
Skin checks are particularly important in industries where workers are exposed to harmful or irritating substances.
Skin checks include healthcare, cleaning, hairdressing, catering, printing, engineering, construction, painting, and laboratory work.
Any workplace where employees handle chemicals, oils, cement, or other irritants may require skin surveillance as part of occupational health compliance.
Employers are responsible for assessing risks and arranging regular checks when needed.
What Happens During a Skin Check?
A skin check usually begins with a questionnaire about the employee’s work tasks, exposure to substances, and any recent symptoms such as itching, redness, or rashes.
A trained occupational health professional in Gloucestershire will then carry out a physical examination of the skin, focusing on hands, arms, or other areas most likely to be affected.
If early signs of damage are identified, advice on treatment, protective measures, and workplace adjustments will be provided.
In some cases, referral to a GP or dermatologist may be recommended.
How Often Should Skin Checks Be Carried Out?
The frequency of skin checks depends on the risk level within the workplace.
High-risk environments, such as those involving daily contact with hazardous substances, may require checks every few months.
Lower-risk workplaces may only need annual assessments.
Regular monitoring ensures that conditions are identified and managed before they become severe or lead to long-term health problems.
What Are the Benefits of Skin Checks?
Occupational health skin checks in Gloucestershire offer clear benefits for both employees and employers.
Key benefits include:
Detect early signs of dermatitis and other skin conditions.
Prevent long-term health problems and minimise sickness absence.
Ensure compliance with COSHH and workplace safety regulations.
Provide impartial medical advice and recommendations for safe working.
Demonstrate an employer’s commitment to staff wellbeing and duty of care.
Are Skin Checks Confidential?
All skin checks are carried out confidentially.
Employees’ medical details are not shared with the employer. Instead, the employer only receives an outcome report confirming whether the employee is fit for work, fit with restrictions, or requires adjustments.
This ensures privacy while still giving the organisation the information it needs to maintain a safe working environment.
How Much Do Skin Checks Cost?
Prices range from £45 to £120 per employee per year as part of a health surveillance programme in Gloucestershire.
The cost of occupational health skin checks in Gloucestershire varies depending on the number of employees, the level of risk, and whether the checks are carried out onsite or in a clinic.
For larger organisations, annual contracts often reduce the cost per assessment.
What Symptoms Should Employees Look Out For Between Skin Checks?
Employees should be encouraged to monitor their skin regularly and report any changes.
Common symptoms that may indicate work-related skin conditions include redness, itching, dryness, flaking, blisters, or cracking of the skin.
Some employees may also notice swelling or pain, particularly on the hands and forearms.
By reporting these signs early, occupational health professionals in Gloucestershire can intervene quickly and prevent the condition from becoming more serious.
Can Skin Conditions from Work Be Permanent?
If left untreated, some occupational skin conditions can become chronic and permanent.
Dermatitis, for example, may initially present as mild irritation but can develop into a long-term condition that persists even when the individual is no longer exposed to the original irritant. This is why early detection and treatment are vital.
Regular skin checks help ensure that temporary irritation does not progress into irreversible damage.
How Do Skin Checks Help Employers Reduce Costs?
Work-related skin conditions can result in significant sickness absence, reduced productivity, and compensation claims.
By arranging regular skin checks, employers can detect problems early, reducing the likelihood of prolonged absence or costly legal cases.
In addition, employers who demonstrate compliance with health and safety legislation are less likely to face regulatory penalties.
Preventive skin surveillance in Gloucestershire can save businesses both time and money.
What Role Does Training Play in Preventing Skin Problems?
Skin checks are only part of an effective prevention strategy.
Training employees to understand the risks of chemical or irritant exposure, use protective equipment properly, and follow safe working practices is equally important.
Occupational health services in Gloucestershire can provide training alongside skin surveillance, giving workers the knowledge to protect themselves.
When combined with regular checks, this approach creates a strong culture of safety in the workplace.
Can Employees Refuse a Skin Check?
Participation in occupational health skin checks in Gloucestershire requires employee consent.
In industries where health surveillance is a legal requirement under COSHH, refusal may place the employer in a difficult position, as they still need to ensure compliance.
Most employees agree to checks once they understand that the process is confidential and designed to protect their health.
Clear communication about the purpose and benefits of skin checks usually encourages cooperation.
Schedule an Occupational Health Services Skin Assessment
Occupational health services for skin checks in Gloucestershire GL4 4 are essential in any workplace where employees are exposed to irritants or hazardous substances.
They protect workers’ health, prevent sickness absence, and ensure employers meet their legal obligations.
Contact us at Occupational Health Services in Gloucestershire today to arrange professional skin checks for your workforce.
Other Services We Offer
At Occupational Health Consultant, we offer a wide range of services; some of these include:
Occupational Health Consultant for Asbestos
Occupational Health Consultant for Bakery Workers
Occupational Health Consultant for Benzene
Occupational Health Consultant for Radiation Workers
Occupational Health Consultant for Silica Exposure
Occupational Health Consultant for Formaldehyde
Occupational Health Consultant for COSHH
Occupational Health Consultant for Dermatitis
Occupational Health Consultant for Mental Health
We cover Gloucestershire