Occupational Dermititis

Production

Occupational dermatitis is skin disease that is caused by or aggravated by substances or conditions at work. It may occur as a result of irritation or allergy. Often, it begins with redness and itchiness. It may develop to include swelling, scaling, cracking, blistering and bleeding. Although any part of the body may be affected it is usually the exposed parts of hands and arms that cause the biggest problem.

The Health and Safety Executive report that in 2004/05 there were 29,000 self reported cases of occupational dermatitis.

What types of products cause occupational dermatitis?

There are four main causes :-

• Chemicals - the most common cause. This includes oils, solvents, acids, cement, rubber and resins. Oil is the commonest irritant and cement the commonest allergen.
• Physical - prolonged exposure to excessive heat, cold, light, radiation and wet work conditions can harm the skin.
• Mechanical - constant friction can result in dermatitis and thickening of the skin.
• Biological - relatively uncommon but can result from the handling of grain, plants and the like.
Occupations at risk
Although anyone can contract dermatitis it is more common in certain types of work. Occupations and industries in the following sectors have particularly high levels of occupational dermatitis reported :-
• Bakers who are at risk from exposure to flour, flavours and spices.
• Care workers and medical staff who are at risk from exposure to rubber gloves, anaesthetics, formaldehyde and other chemicals.
• Cleaners and laundry workers at risk from rubber gloves, detergents, soaps, disinfectants and cleaning products.
• Catering workers involved in wet work and exposed to other irritants
• Construction workers who may develop allergy or irritation to cement and epoxy resin as well as allergy to rubber and leather gloves.
• Farming where exposure exists to rubber, cereals, animal feed, veterinary medications, cement and plants.
• Florists and gardeners with exposure to plants, pesticides and rubber gloves
• Hairdressers and barbers who work with chemicals, have exposure to rubber gloves and who regularly perform wet work.
• Metal workers who are at risk of skin irritation from coolants, solvents and additives in some cutting oils.
• Painters who are exposed to turpentine, thinners, paint and other chemicals.

Types of occupational dermatitis

There are two main types of occupational dermatitis :-

• contact dermatitis - this is caused by the skin coming into direct contact with a substance which causes it physical damage. Damage can occur immediately or there may be a gradual process before the effects become noticeable.
• allergic contact dermatitis - which develops erratically. The harmful substance penetrates the skin and begins a process of sensitisation. This type of dermatitis can arise following lengthy periods of exposure to a substance before sensitisation occurs. Many workers, for example, become sensitised as a result of the use of rubber (latex) gloves. Once sensitisation has occurred it can be difficult to control.

What can the law do for a worker who has contracted occupational dermatitis?

Employers have a legal duty to consider the risks that arise to their employees from working with substances which may cause dermatitis and to introduce all necessary measures to prevent any such risk occurring. Relevant training and advice should be provided to all employees likely to be at risk about the possibility of dermatitis and how to avoid it. Personal protective equipment e.g. gloves, impervious sleeves and boots should be considered to minimize contact with harmful substances. Adequate washing and drying facilities should be available and moisturizers.

What if I develop occupational dermatitis?

In order to succeed with a claim for damages it is necessary to prove that :-

• the employee actually has dermatitis;
• which has been caused by his/her work; and
• the dermatitis arose as a result of the negligence of the employer.

Please contact us for further information.