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Industrial Dermatitis

Unfortunately, industrial disease claims are becoming increasingly common as they can affect a wide range of people in lots of different jobs. Some common industrial disease claims that are seen relate to:

  • Hearing loss
  • Asbestos-related disease
  • Vibration white finger
  • Asthma
  • Repetitive Strain Injury
  • Back injuries
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Unexpected amputations due to injury

All of these are frequently seen in many industries, but skin irritations and reactions such as dermatitis are becoming more common than ever. Contact dermatitis is a result of coming into contact with substances that trigger a reaction, and this is becoming an increasingly usual case in industrial disease claims. Whilst some people are unlucky enough to suffer from severe eczema from childhood, contact dermatitis is fully avoidable and employers should do all that they possibly can do to protect the health and safety of their employees. If they fail in this task then they are likely to be taken to court.

What is contact dermatitis?

Particular inflammatory substances can trigger the eczema known as contact dermatitis. Eczema is the generalised name for a group of conditions that cause skin to become irritated, dry and flaky. The condition can improve if the substances that are causing the problem are identified and some form of protection is provided to stop them touching the skin. Special creams and emollients can be used in order to control the symptoms and provide some form of relief from the discomfort of the condition.

What should my employer have done to avoid this happening?

As soon as you have become aware of this problem, you need to have informed your employer of the condition. They should provide you with a means of protecting yourself from the substance that is causing the contact dermatitis. If they have not adequately attempted to protect an employee’s health and safety, then they could be held responsible for the health problems that you have suffered.

Substances that are known to cause industrial dermatitis

There are some professions that involve coming into contact with potential irritants more than others. Substances that are known causative agents are as follows:

  • Flour
  • Cement
  • Bleaches
  • Paints
  • Glues

Some people will find that they are more likely to experience a reaction to these substances because of their particular skin type. For example, those that have a much more sensitive skin will be more likely to suffer some kind of flare up and have potentially scaly skin. It is most likely that occupational dermatitis will affect someone’s hands, so in most cases it is beneficial to be provided with gloves to carry out any tasks that will involve potentially touching any chemicals.

No one should have to suffer in their workplace, and if you have a case of contact dermatitis then you may be in a position to make an industrial disease claim against your employer. With the right help, you can be assisted in returning to your normal life and greatly improving your quality of health.

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