Centres change skin attitudes

Occupational health specialist Deb claims that attitudes to skin safety on site has altered radically since it introduced skin safety centres on Kier Group sites.

The skin centres form part of a training programme established by Kier. Every worker receives an induction into site safety before starting work on site.

"It was a radical step for us to try and change the way our workforce perceived hand hygiene and site safety. But, through education and good products, which the lads can see work, that is exactly when we have done," said John Morgan a Kier Group company safety manager.

"It was important to us that the skincare issue was raised and taken seriously. There are a lot of building workers suffering with terrible skin problems - in some cases to the extent that they can no longer work in the industry.

"Builders are now protected with hard hats and steel toe capped boots but the reality is their hands to bear the brunt of damage throughout the working day; it doesn't take long before the hands' natural protection is damaged.

"When we introduced the skin safety centre, there was initial scepticism but by the end of the first day virtually everyone was using it and continue to do so. The system is easy to use, robust and Greenhams replenish the stocks quickly and effectively. The feedback has been very positive from those using the systems," added Morgan.

Reader enquiry no. 878