Skin

The skin is a remarkable organ that is essential for our wellbeing. It not only protects us from the many hazards the world around us can present but is also of significant importance in temperature moisture regulation in the body. It is under constant attack from a wide range of things including physical damage, chemicals, the weather and microorganisms 24 hours a day 7 days a week at home as well as at work. It is a complex organ that we still have much to learn about, but so often gets overlooked when managing workplace hazards.

The BOHS Skin Topic Group was established in recognition of the important role of the skin in our health and wellbeing and its significance in occupational hygiene. The group is led by Dr Helen Taylor of EnviroDerm Services, Mitcheldean. Helen aims to ensure that the BOHS has an active technical programme on issues surrounding prevention of damage to health from skin exposure and that BOHS members not only stay well informed and up to date on these issues but are leading the way in this area. Helen has a long standing interest in prevention of damage to health from skin exposure having been a partner in EnviroDerm Services since 2000. She attained her PhD through research into new techniques for skin health surveillance.

Helen is joined in the work of the Topic Group by John Cherrie, Sean Semple, Joanne Gill, Martin Roff, Robert Turner and Chris Packham who bring a wealth of expertise from a range of organisations.

Together we aim to bring you a programme of educational events that provide you with the latest research and opinions on this important area of occupational health, safety and hygiene as well as a source of expertise on which members can call for advice.

Helen can be contacted by e-mail on: skin@bohs.org