Occupational Dermatitis

Dermatitis is an inflamed skin condition caused by adverse reactions to outside agents.  The condition is not infectious.  It is a type of eczema and displays all of the symptoms, including:

• blistering
• redness
• swelling
• flaking
• itching
• bleeding

In severe cases, nails can be affected.  Where the eyes are involved, signs are runny eyes and redness.  In very severe cases, eyelids may be swollen and closed.  The condition can become disabling in the worst cases.  The most commonly affected part of the body is the hands which are often used as tools.  Hand dermatitis accounts for 75% of all dermatitis cases and, for seriously affected individuals,  it may become too difficult to carry out everyday tasks using affected hands.

How are we trying to reduce the problem?

Current inspections are aimed at raising awareness of the causes of dermatitis and what good practice controls will lead to reducing the risk of work-related contact dermatitis to hairdressers and beauticians.  The information provided on this page can also be applied to other work areas.  The inspections are part of a national skin disease project within the Disease Reduction Programme.
 

Work-related dermatitis

Dermatitis is a condition which can be developed as a result of work activities or made worse by the workplace or work activities.

How much of a problem is it?

• In 2004/05 it was estimated that the number of self-reported work-related skin disease cases in Great Britain was 29,000.  The true figure is likely to be higher than this.
• It is estimated that more than 45% of British hairdressers (approximately 50,000) suffer from dermatitis.
• Research conducted among printers indicated that 41% (approximately 18,450) had some degree of dermatitis.

What are the types of dermatitis?

There are two types of dermatitis:

• Irritant contact dermatitis - this occurs when a person is in regular contact with skin irritants.  The condition reverses after complete contact with the substance stops.
• Allergic contact dermatitis - this occurs when there is repeated exposure causing the person to become sensitised and develop an allergy.  The condition cannot be reversed.

Follow this link to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website for background information about dermatitis.

The skin

The skin is one of the largest organs of the body.  It accounts for twenty square feet and 15% of our body weight.  It is vital to maintain the skin in a healthy condition for it to function properly.  Some of the main functions of the skin are:

• to protect the body
• to control temperature
• to sense touch or pain

What causes dermatitis?

To cause a skin condition such as dermatitis, a substance must be able to penetrate the surface layer of the skin to affect the vulnerable skin underneath.  It is therefore important to keep a safe working distance from substances that cause dermatitis.  You can come into contact with an agent capable of causing a skin reaction in one of the following ways:

• immersing - washing/shampooing hair with bare hands
• direct handling - handling equipment soaked in chemicals
• contaminated surfaces - clothing, tools or containers
• splashing - mixing or handling chemicals
• depositing - aerosols or dust

Occupations - where does dermatitis occur?

There are a number of occupations where dermatitis can be contracted.  Those which account for the highest number of cases annually are:

• hairdressers and beauticians (primarily nail technicians)
• cooks and chefs
• kitchen and catering assistants
• cleaners
• construction workers
• dentists and dental nurses
• contract chemical manufacturers
• printers
• users of metal working fluids
• bakers and flour confectioners
• motor vehicle repairers
• florists

What does the law say?

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees.  This includes:

• ensuring the safety of substances and that they are without risk to health
• providing information, instruction and training relating to substances likely to cause ill health

Employees must:

• take reasonable care of themselves and other people affected by their work
• cooperate with the employer to enable them to comply with their health and safety duties

Specific legislation relating to the safety of substances which are likely to cause dermatitis can be found in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.  Employers must prevent employees from coming into contact with substances likely to induce ill health or must adequately control exposure.

If you are an employer, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do we have a problem?  If a number of your workers have a skin problem, it may be related to the work that is being carried out.  Problems can be recognised through monitoring and reporting procedures.  Monitor and check employees for the signs and symptoms of dermatitis.  Encourage staff to check themselves and report any symptoms to management.  Follow this link to obtain a free practical skin checks poster.
• Do we know what we are using?  Safety data sheets and labels on products can help you decide if any substances you are using may be causing skin problems in the work place.  The labels may directly tell you if the substance will cause an allergic reaction.  Look for the words "may cause sensitisation" or "irritating to skin".  Most products will indicate the allergic properties of a substance.  However, there are some that might not be labelled.  Shampoos, some cleaning materials and some diluted metal working fluids do not carry labels, but if you use them over a long period of time they can cause dermatitis.
• Is there a safer alternative?  If you are using a substance that can cause dermatitis, consider using a substance that does not.
• Can the job be done differently?  If you are unable to substitute the substance for something safer, consider doing the job differently.  One example is to stop skin contact by automating the process.  If dust and fumes are causing the problem, some sort of exhaust ventilation may help.  The Health and Safety Executive provides a free poster that can be used in the workplace to demonstrate safe working distance.  Follow this link to download a copy of the skin contact poster.
• Are employees adequately trained?  Train your staff on how to prevent themselves developing dermatitis and how to recognise the symptoms.

Follow this link for information about simple control measures that employees can take to protect themselves against dermatitis.