Assess the workplace hazards to your employees from developing occupational dermatitis
As the most common occupational skin disease, occupational dermatitis is a serious issue - one that you need to be aware of when conducting risk assessments and allocating tasks. Consider this key information to help you effectively manage and mitigate the risk of this condition.
Here, you'll find out more about the causes, the symptoms, and the effects of occupational dermatitis, as well as the types of occupational skin disease to help you recognise the signs.
Occupational dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that is caused by external agents in the working environment. The most likely cause is exposure to chemicals and hazardous substances, biological agents, sensitisers, or allergens which change the natural balance of the skin or damage its structure.
Hands and arms are the most frequently affected areas, but other parts of the body including the face can also be affected. Skin can be exposed to chemicals through direct contact, immersion and splashes or inhaling aerosols. If they penetrate the skin, many external agents can also cause harm and illness elsewhere in the body.
Exposure to chemicals and hazardous substances, physical vibration, mechanical abrasion or working in wet conditions can all contribute to occupational dermatitis. Other contributing factors include UV radiation and exposure to environmental conditions such as high or low temperatures or humidity.
Common workplace materials such as grease, oil, solvent, detergent, soapy water, dust, paper, and cardboard can all be damaging to the employee's skin.
Whilst costly for a business financially, for the employee the consequences can be life changing or even career ending.
There are many different types of skin disease which can develop among workers, from occupational dermatitis to skin cancer. The symptoms of dermatitis vary widely, depending on the type and length of exposure to an irritant, as well as the susceptibility of the person affected. Common symptoms of occupational dermatitis include:
The number of conditions which can be triggered by occupational environments is considerable and some are incredibly severe. This is why it is so important to implement preventative measures at work.
Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis make up the majority of cases of occupational skin disease, accounting for 95% of all cases. Read on to find out the differences between these two conditions.
Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by substances such as solvents, oils and detergents, environmental conditions, abrasion, or wet working. Symptoms can include painful and itchy skin, blisters, redness and swelling. A full recovery can be made from this form of dermatitis if treated correctly.
Allergic contact dermatitis can occur when the sufferer develops an allergy to a substance that they repeatedly come into contact with. With this form of dermatitis, after initial contact with the allergen, the body may become sensitised to it but doesn't react. It is only after future exposures to the substance that the immune system reacts, causing the skin to become red and itchy.
If dermatitis is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. It is also possible for wart-like growths to develop from small patches of thickened skin which could ultimately become cancerous.
Anyone who suspects they are falling victim to occupational dermatitis should seek medical advice as soon as possible. However occupational dermatitis cannot pass from person-to-person, so it is not contagious.
The risk of occupational dermatitis can be minimised if two things work in unison:
Learn more about the science behind workplace skin disease, such as occupational dermatitis. Find downloadable resources to help with your education and on-going training to raise awareness of skin safety at work.
View our recommendations for the right skincare products including protect, cleanse, and restore creams and gels for all types of skin conditions, environments, and usage to minimise occupational dermatitis hazards.
At Arco, we have a comprehensive range of skincare products that are suitable for different types of skin conditions, environments and usage to help reduce the risk of occupational dermatitis in the workplace.
