Hand Care in Harsh Conditions: Best Practices for Outdoor Workers

For outdoor workers, maintaining proper hand health in harsh environmental conditions is vital. Frequent exposure to cold, heat, chemicals, and abrasive materials can severely damage the skin, so it’s important to take proper precautions as to protect the health of your hands. In the article below, we will discuss the best practices for hand care in harsh conditions, helping you to mitigate risks and protect the health of your skin.

 

Use Protective Gloves

Choosing the right type of gloves is essential for effective hand protection. Depending on the task, gloves may need to offer insulation against cold, resistance to heat, or protection from chemicals. To maintain manual dexterity, ensure that your chosen work gloves fit properly, are appropriate for the job, and able to provide the protection that you need.

 

Use Industrial Barrier Creams

Industrial barrier creams work to form a protective layer on the skin, shielding it from harmful substances and irritants encountered in outdoor and industrial environments. These creams are particularly beneficial for workers handling oils, chemicals, or cement, which can strip away natural oils and moisture from the skin. By applying barrier creams before work, workers can prevent harmful agents from penetrating the skin, reducing the risk of dermatitis and other skin disorders.

 

Keep Hands Clean

Keeping hands clean is essential, but frequent washing can often strip the skin of its natural oils. To prevent dryness, choose a gentle and hydrating hand wash that cleanses the skin without causing irritation. Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers sparingly, as they can further dry out your skin. Whenever possible, opt instead for an alcohol-free sanitiser, as these are often more moisturising and help to prevent the skin from cracking if used frequently.

 

Prevent Cuts and Scrapes

Cuts and scrapes can become problematic in outdoor settings due to potential exposure to dirt and contaminants. By wearing gloves and applying protective creams, as previously mentioned, workers can establish a protective barrier to help prevent injuries.

 

Use After-Work Restore Creams

After a long day, replenishing the skin’s moisture and nutrients is crucial. After-work restore creams are designed to soothe, nourish, and repair skin that has been exposed to harsh conditions. These creams often contain ingredients like glycerine, lanolin, or silicone, which help to restore the skin’s natural barrier, prevent dryness, and promote healing of any abrasions or irritation. Regular use of such creams can significantly improve the condition of the skin over time, keeping it healthy and resilient.

 

Stay Hydrated

Hydration goes beyond just keeping the skin’s surface smooth; it’s essential for deep, long-lasting skin health. Drinking plenty of water supports skin elasticity and resilience, working to effectively reduce the risk of dryness, cracking, and chapping, particularly in harsh weather conditions.

 

Use Specific Hand Cleaners

After working with particularly harsh substances, it’s important to use industrial cleansers that are specifically designed to remove tough grime without damaging the skin. Products such as light-duty or heavy-duty industrial skin cleansers can offer a deeper clean while still containing ingredients that moisturise and protect.

 

Regular Skin Checks

Make it a habit to regularly examine your hands for any signs of skin damage, irritation, or infections. Identifying these issues early allows you to address them promptly, reducing the risk of complications or more serious health problems. Taking this preventive approach can help to maintain healthy skin and prevent long-term issues with mobility or discomfort.

 

Incorporating these practices into daily routines can help outdoor workers maintain healthy, functional hands despite the challenges posed by their working environments. Hand care is not just about maintaining comfort; it’s also about preventing occupational hazards and ensuring workplace safety and efficiency.