What is Occupational Dermatitis?
Occupational Dermatitis can be defined as an inflammation of the skin caused by the working environment or by skin contact with a damaging substance.
The symptoms and seriousness of the condition vary widely. Symptoms usually begin with redness and irritation, and occasionally, swelling. Blisters may follow and, if these break, the skin may become infected.
Contact with some substances can cause small areas of the skin to thicken, eventually forming rough wart-like growths which may become cancerous.
Any part of the body may be affected. Dermatitis is not contagious, but if untreated it may spread to other parts of the body. Correct treatment at an early stage is essential.
By taking the right preventative steps to minimise contact with damaging agents and adopting an appropriate skin safety regime, the risk of occupational dermatitis can be reduced.
Causes of Dermatitis
Dermatitis occurs when the structure of the skin is damaged, or the protective mechanisms are thrown out of balance by external agents such as:
Irritants
Irritants will affect any skin, whether healthy or already damaged in some manner. Medical treatment is effective and if contact is eliminated or reduced, the condition is unlikely to recur. However, repeated exposure to irritants can lead to long term skin damage.
The following are examples of substances which can permanently cause irritant contact dermatitis:
- Acids / Alkalis
- Oxidising / Reducing Agents
- Detergents & Water-Based Chemicals
- Solvents
- Mineral Oils
Sensitisers (Allergens)
These do not affect everyone exposed to them. The dermatitis does not appear on first contact with a substance but occurs only after subsequent contact, sometimes over prolonged periods e.g. years. The individuals affected eventually become sensitized (allergic) to that substance.
Working Environment
In addition to substances that the skin may come in to contact with, the work environment can also affect skin condition. Temperature, humidity and wind are all elements which, in more adverse conditions, can affect the skin’s ability to protect itself.
Skin Abrasion
There are many products and substances used in the workplace that can damage the skin simply through their abrasive nature such as sand, plaster or cement which can lead the skin to be scratched or damaged. This leaves the skin more vulnerable to the possible effects of contact with irritants or potential sensitisers.
Responsibilities
The prime responsibility for the prevention of occupational dermatitis lies with the employer. The employer has a ‘duty of care’ to ensure they provide a safe working environment and to carry out regular safety assessments for their employees.
Failure to do so can result in:
- Poor staff morale
- Lost production through staff absences
- Bad publicity
- Financial penalties
- Even imprisonment in severe cases
Whatever the obligation of the employer, the employee also has a duty to comply with all preventative actions identified.
The evidence and the breadth of workplace legislation relating to the skin clearly shows that the issue needs to be taken very seriously, by adopting a proactive approach.
Prevention
It is easier to prevent dermatitis than to cure it.
Effective prevention, however, requires full co-operation between all involved, management and employees alike. The basic aim of prevention is to identify risks to the skin and look to eliminate or, at least, minimise them.
There are five principal points to the process of implementing skin care management:
- Conduct an assessment of current work practices including substances which may represent a danger to the skin
- Introduce new processes, working practices or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as required
- Introduce a Skin Safety Regime
- Staff training and communication to increase awareness and encourage compliance
- Ongoing monitoring and review
