“Humid working conditions” is a term that refers to occupational health and safety. It applies to situations where employees spend a considerable part of their workday (more than 2 hours on a regular basis) carrying out physical tasks in a humid environment.
Background:
The term also applies when hands are frequently or intensively cleaned. Additionally, wearing moisture-proof protective gloves with occlusion effect (heat and fluid build-up) is part of it. Continuous work in humid conditions impairs the natural barrier of the skin and can lead to eczema. The employer is obliged to carry out a risk assessment and select sufficient protective measures in cooperation with the company doctor and the occupational safety specialist. This includes measures such as:
- Switch between working in a humid and dry environment
- Distributing the total amount of time spent in a humid environment among as many employees as possible
- Reducing hand washing to a limited number of situations (before starting work, when visibly contaminated, etc.)
- Regular skincare
- Providing employees with cotton glove liners
