Maintaining healthy skin is vital for warding off infections at work. Any break in the skin, be it cuts, abrasions, or contact dermatitis, compromises its natural defense against germs, paving the way for infections. Staphylococcus aureus ('Staph') bacteria, naturally residing on the skin and in the nose, can lead to infections if they enter through a cut. Some strains, like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are antibiotic-resistant.

Certain individuals with risk factors, such as medical conditions or chronic skin diseases, are more susceptible to skin infections. While anyone can be affected, certain occupations pose an elevated risk, including those involving contact with infected individuals, animals, soil, water, or contaminated substances.

Workplaces with crowding, close physical contact, poor cleanliness, inadequate washing facilities, subpar personal hygiene, and shared personal items foster the spread of skin infections. Employers should provide proper washing facilities, promote skin care, offer first aid provisions, ensure workplace cleanliness, protect workers from skin injuries, and clean shared items before reuse.

Workers, in turn, should prioritize personal hygiene, including thorough handwashing, proper use of hand sanitizers, and checking and covering any cuts before commencing work. Keeping work areas and tools clean, adhering to safety instructions, avoiding the sharing of personal items, and promptly addressing signs of infection in wounds are essential practices. Consulting a doctor is advised for serious wounds or persistent skin infections, especially if associated with pain, swelling, pus, redness, fever, or personal risk factors for infection.