An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a skin surveillance record is
A skin surveillance record documents periodic checks for signs of work-related skin problems — such as dermatitis — among workers whose tasks bring their skin into contact with substances that can cause harm. It records that checks took place and the high-level outcome, supporting early action rather than replacing control of the exposure.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides, on competent advice, where surveillance is needed.
Purpose
- Record that skin checks linked to an exposure have taken place.
- Track the worker, the substances and the dates of checks.
- Capture the high-level outcome and any follow-up needed.
- Support early detection of work-related skin conditions.
Who completes it
- A trained person or health professional carries out the checks.
- The employer keeps a high-level record, not clinical detail.
- The employer decides, on advice, where surveillance applies.
- Confidential health information is handled separately.
When it is used
- Where workers handle substances that can affect the skin.
- At intervals advised by a competent person or health professional.
- When the substances handled or the tasks change.
- When a skin problem is reported or identified.
Typical fields
- Worker name and the substances or tasks involved.
- Dates of checks and the next check due.
- High-level outcome and any signs noted.
- Follow-up or referral where needed.
- The person or provider carrying out the check.
- Example fields only — adapt to the exposure and competent advice.
Common mistakes
- Relying on surveillance instead of controlling skin contact.
- Holding clinical detail the employer should not keep.
- Missing follow-up when signs are noted.
- No link to the substance assessment or PPE provided.
Document workflow
A skin surveillance record usually follows the assessment that identifies a skin hazard and the PPE issue record for protective gloves, and it is arranged through an occupational health referral where needed. It feeds the wider health surveillance record and may trigger a review of controls if signs appear.
See the related documents below for what is commonly completed before, alongside and after a skin surveillance record.
Retention (high level)
Skin surveillance records are generally kept for a period that can be long for certain exposures, in line with the employer’s obligations and data-protection duties, with clinical detail held confidentially. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
High-level skin surveillance records are commonly stored as PDFs, kept securely and separately from confidential clinical data. Exporting to PDF supports documentation; it does not make the record official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Control skin contact before relying on surveillance.
- Take competent advice on where checks are needed.
- Keep only the high-level record you are entitled to hold.
- Act on signs, follow-up and review triggers.
Worker notes
- Attend skin checks when asked and report any skin problems.
- Use the protective gloves and barrier measures provided.
- Understand what is recorded and how your data is protected.
Country considerations
Where skin surveillance is required, by whom and how records are kept varies by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not legal advice.
Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for controlling skin exposure, arranging surveillance where required and protecting health data — and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine where surveillance is needed, does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
Free, printable HR & employment resources
Practical, ungated resources to put this into action — no signup.