Health and Safety

Executive

OCCUPATIONAL
DERMATITIS

“Reducing the risks”

Lesley Pascoe – Occupational Health Inspector

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
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
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
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
 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
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
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
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
SOURCES OF INFORMATION

hse.gov.uk
SUMMARY

• Good working practices

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