Occupational Dermatitis

Occupational dermatitis is one of the most widespread causes of ill health and affects people working in many industry sectors. Nationally, across all industries, an estimated 84,000 people have dermatitis caused or made worse by their work. This results in 132,000 lost working days each year and costs employers some £20 million.

Symptoms of Occupational Dermatitis

Symptoms range from Itching, pain, redness, soreness, cracked skin, swelling, bleeding from skin, formation of small blisters or weals (itchy red circles with a white centre) on the skin. In some cases, the symptoms may be permanent and the individual may have to stop work as a result.

Causes of Occupational Dermatitis

The two common forms of dermatitis usually seen in the workplace are allergic dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. When the skin comes into contact with certain substances at work, this can cause occupational dermatitis to occur. Substances which might cause occupational dermatitis include cleaning products, organic solvents, metalworking fluids, cement, adhesives, other chemicals, and even certain plants.

Substances causing occupational dermatitis are divided into two groups known as irritants and sensitisers. Irritants act directly on the skin through chemical reactions. With sensitisers, skin reactions may not be caused on initial contact, but after repeated exposure, some people will have an allergic reaction.

The employer has an important role in controlling workplace exposures to agents which cause occupational dermatitis and in providing appropriate health surveillance and encouraging employees to report symptoms at an early stage. Employers have a duty to carry out risk assessments and prevent contact to hazardous substances. If they fail to do so and an employee suffers harm as a result, the employee is likely to have a claim for compensation.

Commonly Affected Occupations

• Agricultural workers: Artificial fertilisers; cleaning products; diesel; disinfectants; dust including soil and food products; gasoline; oils; pesticides; plants; solvents; wet-work.
• Beauticians (Nails): Dusts; acetone; disinfectants
• Butchers and abattoir workers: Acids and alkalis; detergents; waste products; wet-work.
• Cleaners: Detergents; other cleaning products; solvents; wet-work
• Healthcare professionals: Disinfectants; detergents; wet-work
• Floor-layers: Solvents.
• Hairdressers: Bleaching agents; dyes; permanent wave solutions; shampoos; wet-work.
• Painters: Aggressive hand cleaners; solvents; thinners; wallpaper adhesives including antibacterial/mould agents
• Rubber products workers: Solvents; talc; uncured rubber; zinc stearate.

Compensation

The aim in a successful claim for compensation for occupational dermatitis is to put the injured worker back in the position in which they would have been if the accident had not occurred or the condition had not developed.

If you are suffering from occupational dermatitis sustained as a result of your working conditions, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

We have specialist solicitors who can deal with your claim and take away the worry and the stress and seek compensation on your behalf.