Information for health and safety inspectors

This page aims to provide easy access to information useful to both Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Local Authority (LA) inspectors undertaking inspections on skin issues and to give other people an idea of how we work.

• Work-related skin diseases continue to be a major occupational health problem.  HSE statistics on skin disease show the big picture.  HSE’s Disease Reduction Programme skin project aims to tackle this problem by working with others to embed good practice in the workplace.
  
• The Work-related contact dermatitis topic inspection pack [245KB] supports inspections. It contains background information, risk gap assessments, sample letters and sample notices.
  
• A number of Local Authority Circulars have been produced to support LA inspections in specific industries including Hairdressing and Hotel and Catering.
• Sixty three hairdressers tested disposable gloves, this Local Authority Fact sheet [148KB] gives the results.
• A range of materials have been produced for industry that may help to support inspections, these include publications and posters, training resources and web pages for industries with high-risk jobs.
  
• The skin at work web pages contain information on the causes of skin disease, occupations and materials with particular risks to skin, managing risks from skin exposure and legislation.
  
• Need further support? LA inspectors can contact their local partnership managers to get advice on specialist support. For HSE inspectors, the intranet sets out arrangements for securing specialist support. Or, contact the skin project team at skinproject@hse.gsi.gov.uk