The most common skin condition to affect people due to their work is dermatitis. The term 'dermatitis' can be used interchangeably with the term 'eczema'. When talking about eczema related to work, it is generally referred to as 'dermatitis' or 'contact dermatitis' and there is no medical difference.
The 2005/06 self-reported work-related illness survey estimated that 27,000 people in Great Britain were suffering from skin disease caused or made worse by their current or past work. An estimated average of 3,200 new cases of work-related skin disease were diagnosed each year between 2003 and 2005, of which approximately 75 per cent were contact dermatitis. Agents in 'rubber chemicals', thought to cause dermatitis, are present in synthetic and natural rubber materials, soaps, cleaners and wet work.
The legal position
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees and anyone else affected by their work activities. In the case of chemicals, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2677) apply. The regulations implement the health requirements of an EC directive, known as the Chemical Agents Directive (98/24/EC), which establishes minimum requirements for the protection of workers' health and safety from the presence or use of hazardous chemical agents.
Hand washing
Hand washing is still often the most practical way for staff to clean their hands. They should observe the following:
- always wash hands in lukewarm water
- use non-perfumed soap or a soap substitute and rinse hands thoroughly (if the individual has suffered from contact dermatitis a soap substitute would be recommended)
- dry the skin carefully, especially between the fingers - towels provided should be
soft disposable paper towels
- apply a moisturiser (scent and lanolin free)
Last reviewed 22 Feb 2008
