Medical Surveillance for Skin Checks
Enquire NowAt Medical Surveillance for Skin Checks, we provide workplace monitoring to protect employees from occupational dermatitis and other work-related skin conditions.
Many industries expose workers to irritants and allergens such as cleaning agents, solvents, oils, cement, flour, or disinfectants.
Regular contact with these substances can damage the skin, leading to redness, rashes, itching, cracking, or blisters.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002), employers must provide health surveillance for staff at risk. Our medical surveillance programmes ensure early detection, effective intervention, and full compliance.
Request a free quote for medical surveillance for skin checks today.
Why Is Medical Surveillance Important for Skin Health?
Occupational dermatitis is one of the most common workplace illnesses in the UK.
If left unmanaged, it can progress from mild irritation to chronic, painful conditions that may prevent employees from working.
Medical surveillance ensures early warning signs are detected before the condition becomes severe.
We help workers stay healthy, reduce absenteeism, and ensure employers meet their legal duties under COSHH.
What Does Medical Surveillance for Skin Checks Involve?
Medical surveillance includes a baseline skin assessment before an employee begins at-risk work, followed by routine inspections and questionnaires.
Technicians and occupational health professionals monitor for early signs of dermatitis, such as dryness, redness, or cracking.
If concerns are identified, the worker is referred for further medical review.
Alongside skin checks, advice is given on the correct use of gloves, barrier creams, and hand hygiene to reduce exposure risks.
How Often Should Skin Checks Be Carried Out?
The frequency of skin assessments depends on the level of exposure identified in the workplace risk assessment.
In higher-risk industries such as cleaning, hairdressing, healthcare, and construction, checks may be needed every 6 to 12 months.
For extremely high-risk roles, skin inspections may be more frequent.
A baseline check is always recommended before work begins, followed by regular reviews to track changes over time.
What Are the Benefits of Medical Surveillance for Skin Checks?
The key benefit of skin tests is that they identify early signs of dermatitis, protecting workers while ensuring employers comply with COSHH requirements.
Key benefits include:
Detects early signs of dermatitis before it becomes severe.
Helps employers comply with COSHH regulations.
Reduces sickness absence and long-term illness.
Provides reassurance to employees working with hazardous substances.
Demonstrates employer duty of care and reduces liability risks.
What Symptoms Are Monitored in Skin Health Surveillance?
Medical surveillance monitors for dryness, redness, swelling, rashes, cracks, or blisters on the skin.
Workers are also asked about itching, burning sensations, or worsening reactions after contact with certain substances.
Since dermatitis can become chronic if not treated early, recording even mild symptoms is important. Early escalation prevents long-term damage.
Is Medical Surveillance for Skin Checks a Legal Requirement?
Under COSHH, employers must provide skin health surveillance where employees are at risk of dermatitis or allergic reactions from hazardous substances.
Skin health surveillance applies to many sectors, including healthcare, food handling, construction, cleaning, and manufacturing. Surveillance records must be kept for at least 40 years, as some conditions may have long-term consequences.
What Is the Cost of Medical Surveillance for Skin Checks?
Technician-led skin checks and questionnaires may cost from £50 to £80 per employee.
More comprehensive programmes, including referrals or medical review,s can range from £100–£150+ per employee.
The cost depends on workforce size, risk level, and whether escalation to occupational health professionals is needed.
For larger teams, bespoke packages help reduce per-person costs.
The initial investment is small compared with the costs of absence, claims, or HSE enforcement.
What Happens If Dermatitis or Skin Damage Is Identified?
If a worker shows symptoms of dermatitis, they are referred to an occupational health nurse or physician for assessment.
Employers may need to adjust tasks, improve protective equipment, or review chemical controls.
The worker may also receive treatment or advice on managing the condition.
Acting promptly helps prevent worsening of symptoms and ensures the business remains compliant.
How Are Records from Skin Surveillance Managed?
Records of medical surveillance for skin checks must be stored securely and retained for at least 40 years.
They include baseline skin assessments, follow-up checks, questionnaires, and referrals.
These medical records are confidential but may be inspected by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). ‘
Accurate record keeping demonstrates compliance and protects both employers and employees in the long term.
Which Industries Are Most at Risk of Occupational Dermatitis?
Industries with frequent exposure to wet work or hazardous substances are most at risk.
We include healthcare (frequent handwashing and disinfectants), hairdressing (dyes and shampoos), construction (cement and solvents), catering (food handling and cleaning agents), and mechanics (oils and greases).
In these settings, regular skin checks are essential to protect employees and comply with COSHH regulations.
Can Employees Refuse to Take Part in Skin Checks?
Employees are encouraged to take part because surveillance protects their health.
While participation should be voluntary, refusing may limit their ability to continue working with hazardous substances safely.
Employers must explain the purpose and importance of medical surveillance clearly.
Most workers engage once they understand it helps prevent painful, long-term conditions such as dermatitis.
How Can Employers Reduce the Risk of Skin Problems Alongside Surveillance?
Employers should implement preventative measures alongside surveillance.
We include providing high-quality gloves, barrier creams, and moisturisers, ensuring proper handwashing facilities, and training staff in safe handling practices.
Substituting hazardous substances for safer alternatives where possible also reduces risks.
When combined with medical surveillance, these steps provide maximum protection against dermatitis.
What Role Does Training Play in Preventing Skin Conditions?
Training is vital in reducing occupational dermatitis.
Employees must know how to use PPE correctly, when to apply protective creams, and how to wash their hands without causing irritation.
Training also teaches staff to recognise and report symptoms early.
By combining knowledge with regular checks, workplaces can significantly reduce the number of skin-related health problems.
How Does Medical Surveillance for Skin Checks Benefit Employers Financially?
Skin conditions such as dermatitis are a leading cause of workplace ill health and sickness absence.
Early detection through surveillance prevents minor issues from becoming chronic, reducing time off work.
Employers also avoid compensation claims, legal penalties, and HSE enforcement. In the long run, surveillance represents a small investment that saves significant costs while protecting staff wellbeing.
Get a Free Quote for Skin Assessments
At Medical Surveillance for Skin Checks , we deliver reliable and compliant services that protect workers from occupational dermatitis and support employers in meeting their legal duties.
Our surveillance programmes detect problems early, reduce risks, and keep accurate records.
By investing in skin health monitoring, employers can protect staff wellbeing, reduce costs, and create safer workplaces.
Contact Medical Surveillance for Skin Checks today to arrange a tailored health surveillance programme for your organisation.
Other Services We Offer
At Medical Surveillance, we offer a wide range of services; some of these include:
Medical Surveillance for Lead Exposure
Medical Surveillance for Asbestos
Medical Surveillance for Bakery Workers
Medical Surveillance for Benzene
Medical Surveillance for Radiation Workers
Medical Surveillance for Silica Exposure
Medical Surveillance for Formaldehyde
Medical Surveillance for COSHH
Medical Surveillance for Dermatitis
Medical Surveillance for Mental Health