Industrial Dermatitis Claims

What is industrial dermatitis?

Industrial dermatitis, also known as occupational dermatitis, is a form of common contact dermatitis that occurs specifically in a work environment. While anyone can suffer from it, those involved in the agricultural, beauty, cleaning, construction, catering, and industrial industries are typically more likely to suffer from this condition.

While regular contact dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by excessive interaction with simple allergens such as soap and toiletries, it usually improves or clears up completely if the substance causing the problem is identified and avoided; treatments are also available to help ease the symptoms.

Occupational dermatitis, on the other hand, occurs through direct and constant exposure to a toxic substance in the workplace. These toxic substances are far-ranging, and vary between industries, with the effects being potentially long-lasting even after avoiding contact with the offending substance.

Dermatitis is painful and unsightly, which causes some victims to be ashamed of the way their skin looks. It is not contagious but can make those suffering from it feel awkward about showing affected areas in public.

If you think you may have developed some form of industrial dermatitis, there are a variety of associated symptoms you can look out for, including:

• Itchy, dry skin
• Rashes
• Swelling
• Reddened skin
• Blisters that ooze, crust over, or flake off

Not everyone will suffer from the exact same symptoms, and the severity of dermatitis can vary greatly, usually depending on the length of time and the toxicity of the substance you’ve been exposed to. You may find that your skin flares up immediately after initial exposure, or it could occur several years after working with the chemical.

If you’re suffering from one or more of these symptoms due to interaction with a harmful substance within the workplace, you might be entitled to make an industrial dermatitis claim. Get in touch with our experts to find out.

How do you contract occupational dermatitis?

There are several ways you can come into contact with a dermatitis irritant. Examples include, but are certainly not limited to working with:

• Paint
• Bleach
• Cleaning solutions
• Glue
• Wet hands
• Petroleum

Even if you are the only affected person in your workplace, your employer still has a legal duty to ensure you are protected from anything that could result in the contraction of occupational dermatitis. In all cases, they must provide the correct protective equipment, and ensure all staff are aware of the risks of the substances they’re using.

Are you eligible for an occupational dermatitis claim?

Over the years, many acts and regulations have been created to protect workers’ rights, particularly those who work in potentially hazardous environments. Employers have a legal duty of care to you and your colleagues to ensure your working environment is in line with appropriate safety regulations to avoid or minimize workplace accidents.

There are a variety of ways employers can adhere to these regulations:

• Providing adequate, industry-standard PPE gear when handling any form of harmful substance
• Training employees on the correct handling and storage of potentially toxic material
• Conducting an in-depth risk assessment for any potential dermatitis risks
• Using alternative, non-irritant materials when possible

If your employer has failed to fulfil even one of these obligations or another, then they have failed in their duty of care, making you eligible for an occupational dermatitis claim.

Claiming compensation for industrial dermatitis

In order to make an industrial dermatitis claim, you’ll need to be able to prove that your dermatitis resulted from the negligence of your employer in relation to their work safety obligations, thus breaking the relevant legal legislation. There are two main steps you can take to do so:

• Firstly, you’ll need to have your dermatitis diagnosed by an official dermatologist
• Next, you’ll need to provide proof that certain substances at work are what’s causing your dermatitis.

While the second step can be tricky, evidence that you were not suffering from dermatitis prior to beginning your employment will go a long way in proving that chemicals in your place of work are responsible for your affliction.

How is Dermatitis Treated?

Industrial dermatitis may not be a life-threatening condition, but it can make life miserable for those who have it. While waiting for your industrial dermatitis claim to be processed, there are ways you can protect yourself from your occupational dermatitis becoming a more significant problem:

• Wear protective clothing whenever possible around trigger irritants
• Wash or dry your skin after using chemicals (even if you’ve worn gloves)
• Take care of your skin outside of work medically approved skincare products
• Monitor for signs of dermatitis such as cracked or red skin and seek a diagnosis if you’re concerned.

Regardless of the level of your industrial dermatitis, you should see your GP immediately if you think you are developing any dermatitis symptoms. They will be able to diagnose and prescribe a course of treatment before it gets to any serious level.

The sooner you see your GP for a diagnosis, the easier it will be to determine whether the cause is your workplace, or whether it is related to an external allergen.

Industrial dermatitis is not the only physical affliction caused by contact with industrial chemicals. If you’ve suffered from chemical burns as a result of workplace oversight, we can help you make a chemical burn claim.