OCCUPATIONAL DERMATITIS

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OCCUPATIONAL DERMATITIS

• Reducing the risks

Lesley Pascoe Occupational Health Inspector
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SOME FACTS AND FIGURES (2006/2007)

• 2.2 million cases of work-related ill-health
• 646,000 of these were new cases
• Prevalence of self-reported skin disease is
  29,000
• Of these 3,000 were new cases

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FACT AND FIGURES (continued)

• Contact dermatitis is one of the most common
  causes of work-related ill-health
• Affects people working in all industry groups,
  but mainly
• - Hairdressing, chemical industry, beauty
  industry, cleaning, engineering, printing,
  horticulture

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WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO ACHIEVE?

• Revitalising Health and Safety targets
• reduction of 20 between 2000 and 2010 of
  work-related ill-health
• Incidence of dermatitis is falling
• We are aiming for
• Fewer cases
• Fewer days lost
• Reduction in personal and social costs

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WHAT IS DERMATITIS?
Symptoms Redness, flaking, dryness, swelling,
cracking, itching, blistering It is
either Contact dermatitis (irritant)
or Allergic contact dermatitis (sensitiser)
It is NOT infectious
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ARE ONLY THE HANDS AFFECTED?
Most common on hands, wrists and forearms.
Contaminated work-wear, PPE can cause skin
contact and dermatitis elsewhere Can look like
other skin disorders Get expert diagnosis for
correct treatment
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WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

• 3 of the worst culprits
• Soaps and cleaners, rubber chemicals and
  materials, and wet
• Specifically to hairdressing
• Shampoos
• Hair dyes
• Bleaching permanent waving solutions
• Wet work
• Covered areas can be affected

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WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

• Know which products can harm your skin
• Try to avoid contact with the products
• Wash hands thoroughly following contact
• Wear the appropriate gloves
• Use skin care products regularly
• Report symptoms as soon as possible

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WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR STAFF?

• Find out which products are harmful
• Assess the risk
• Reduce and control exposure
• Provide information
• Carry out skin checks

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SOURCES OF INFORMATION

• hse.gov.uk

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SUMMARY

• Good working practices
• Skin care and personal hygiene
• Personal protective equipment
• Health surveillance
• Information, instruction, training and supervision