The Importance Of Hand Care In Industrial Settings

By Brandon Jones, President of Kutol Products

Brandon Jones

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is not just a matter of cleanliness in industrial settings; it is essential for worker safety, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Employees in the manufacturing, construction, automotive and mining sectors frequently encounter grease, stains, soils and chemicals that can take a toll on hands — requiring hand care products that deliver deep cleaning without damaging the skin.

Challenges To Maintaining Hand Health

Because of repeated, prolonged handling of irritants and hazardous substances, individuals working in industrial environments are most at risk to develop occupational dermatitis (also known as contact dermatitis). The symptoms of this skin disease can include soreness, cracking, redness and intense itching or burning of the hands. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, just one case of occupational dermatitis can cost an employer approximately $3,500 in workers’ compensation claims and an average disability of 23.9 days.

Additional challenges in industrial environments include:

Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities

• Workers handle machinery, lubricants and industrial byproducts that leave behind stubborn grime, oil and chemicals on hands.
• Individuals may skip hand cleaning if the work is fast paced, or they are trying to meet production targets/deadlines.

Construction & Automotive Sectors

• Construction workers and mechanics come in frequent contact with grease, adhesives, concrete and coatings that irritate or damage skin.
• Constant use of tools can lead to cuts, scrapes and blisters on hands.

Chemical & Oil Industries

• Employees deal with hazardous chemicals and contaminants that compromise skin health.
• Compliance with OSHA and industry-specific hand hygiene regulations is necessary to maintain workplace safety and avoid regulatory penalties.

Importance Of Tailored Hand Care Solutions

Providing employees with specialty hand care products, made specifically for use in industrial workplaces, reduces the risk of skin irritation and occupational dermatitis. These products provide deep hand cleaning power, often containing natural ingredients like walnuts and pumice that break down tough soils and stains. Equally important, specialized industrial hand products include moisturizers — such as aloe and vitamin E — that help replenish and protect the skin’s natural barrier.

Advantages Of Industrial Hand Scrubs

Effective hand scrubs work in one application, avoiding the damage that can come from repeated hand scrubbing. They can also help with:

• Regulatory compliance — Helps businesses meet OSHA and industry-specific safety standards for hand hygiene.
• Cost efficiency — Often available in high-capacity sizes, purchasing industrial products in bulk can lower overall expenses and minimize the need for frequent refilling and restocking.
• Workplace safety and productivity — Keeping hands clean reduces the spread of germs and contaminants, helping prevent illness and work-related skin conditions.
• Sustainability — Large-volume packaging decreases overall waste and supports eco-friendly business practices.

With the correct hand care solutions in place, companies can protect their workforce from preventable skin conditions, reduce downtime due to illness or injury, and foster a culture that prioritizes safety and self-care. Investing in proper hand hygiene isn’t just smart — it is essential for worker wellbeing and business efficiency.

Kutol Products Company, founded in 1912, is a leading manufacturer of quality commercial hand soaps, hand sanitizers and soap dispensing systems under the Health Guard® and Kutol® Pro brands. The company’s skin care products include foaming and liquid hand soaps and sanitizers, hair and body washes and industrial hand cleaners. The company manufactures its products in Sharonville, Ohio, in a LEED Silver Certified, FDA-registered facility. Visit kutol.com.