The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced new guidance to help employers tackle the issue of contact dermatitis in the workplace. Contact dermatitis is an allergic inflammation of the skin caused by contact with a range of materials, which may include detergents, toiletries, chemicals and even foods and water. It can affect all parts of the body, but is most common in the hands. The HSE's 2005/06 Self-Reported Work-Related Illness Survey, estimated around 27,000 cases of self-reported skin disease in the UK, with an average of some 3,200 new cases every year.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations SI 1999/3242, employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees and anyone else affected by their work activities. With regard to chemicals, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations SI 2002/2677 require the assessment of risks arising from the use of hazardous substances, and to take measures to prevent or control exposure.
The guidance advises employers on the practical way to prevent work-related dermatitis, which includes asking a series of questions:
