Dermatitis Claims

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Work Related Dermatitis describes a wide range of inflammatory skin conditions that are caused or made worse by contact with physical, chemical or biological agents in the workplace. Together these skin conditions amount to the most common work related disease in the UK today. The HSE estimates that over 30,000 workers suffer from a skin disease related to their place of work, while other surveys show that over half a million days a year are taken off work due to skin problems of one form or another. The severity of the condition depends on individual skin sensitivity factors and the level of exposure to the particular irritant. Fortunately work related dermatitis is not contagious, but the condition is incurable and can spread over the whole body in extreme cases. Excessive exposure to a hazardous substances absorbed through the skin can also lead to permanent kidney or liver damage and potentially fatal skin cancer.

Types And Symptoms Of Dermatitis

There are two main types of work related or 'industrial' dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The former is by far the most common work related disease, and normally results from direct contact with a chemical irritant which damages the skin and its protective oils. The condition develops gradually in professions that require prolonged work with various chemicals or with water itself. Allergic contact dermatitis is rarer due to the fact that an allergy or hypersensitivity to a substance must pre-exist in an individual for the condition to develop. The symptoms are the same for both types of occupational dermatitis. The skin will initially feel rough and raw, followed by itchiness and inflammation. The condition can then develop further with the skin's affected areas becoming cracked, blistered and painful. Most commonly sufferers will develop rashes and patches of extreme dryness on the skin. While it can affect any part of the body, work related dermatitis normally manifests itself on the hands, wrists and forearms.

Typical Causes Of Dermatitis

Substances that can cause work related dermatitis are numerous, and can be divided into two main categories; irritants such as dust, enzymes and animal hair which provoke a chemical reaction in the skin, and sensitisers such as metals, latex, cosmetics and soaps which produce an allergic reaction. The condition can also be provoked by physical elements, such as excessive exposure to sun, heat, cold and water. Due to the wide variety of substances and working conditions that can provoke work related dermatitis, a similarly broad range of professions are at risk of contracting the work related disease. Those particularly at risk include engineers, construction workers, caterers, cleaners, hairdressers, beauticians, health workers, farmers, painters and dentists. Dermatitis claims are common therefore across a wide range of industries.

Employers Must Take Steps To Prevent Work Related Diseases

It is an employer's responsibility to assess, prevent and control the risks of exposure to materials in the workplace that could cause skin diseases among employees. Where prevention is not possible the employer must provide suitable personal protective equipment such as overalls, masks, gloves and boots. Your employers duties are governed by a number of workplace regulations and in particular:

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

Dermatitis Claims And Compensation Awards

An employer will become liable if he does not take all reasonable steps to prevent employees coming into contact with substances or irritants which can cause work related dermatitis. The employer must also ensure that physical working conditions do not expose employees to the risk of skin diseases. A successful dermatitis claim will require a clinical diagnosis of dermatitis and evidence that the disease has been caused by substances or conditions in the workplace. It will also need to be proved that the employer negligent in failing to prevent exposure to the irritant. Damages following a successful dermatitis claim will reflect a range of factors, including pain and suffering, the cost of medical treatment and loss of earnings.

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