Workplace irritants, such as chemicals, dusts, glues, hand sanitisers, and repeatedly washing hands, can cause painful skin conditions, which often lead to long-term health problems.
At Pursuit Claims we understand that making a claim is a new process for many people so we have made it simple. Answer 3 simple question and find out if you can claim for dermatitis caused by work.
If you regularly experience any these symptoms, you could be suffering from occupational dermatitis and could be entitled to compensation:
- Redness
- Scaling/flaking
- Blistering
- Weeping
- Cracking
- Swelling
Find out how much compensation you could be owed for free
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to secure skin disease compensation?
This depends on the details of your case. However, you can rest assured our expert lawyers will do their best to secure your dermatitis compensation in the shortest time possible.
What counts as a work-related skin disease?
There are different types of skin diseases you can contract at work. The most common form of work-related skin disease is industrial dermatitis, which is caused by exposure to allergens and infections. Others include contact urticarial (swelling and redness caused by direct contact with an offending substance), folliculitis, infective and mechanical skin disease and even skin cancer.
The severity of these work-related skin diseases varies widely. If you have a skin disease that has been caused by work, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. Contact our specialist team for more information.
What is occupational dermatitis?
Occupational dermatitis, also known as industrial dermatitis and eczema, is a common work-related skin disease that causes skin inflammation and irritation. It is caused by exposure to substances at work.
Am I at risk of developing an industrial skin disease?
People who come into contact with dust, chemicals or enzymes at work without wearing protective clothing may be at risk of developing a skin disease on the exposed body parts, such as the face and hands.
Some of the professions thought to be most at risk of contracting occupational dermatitis include kitchen workers, cleaners, hospital staff, manufacturing or factory workers, hairdressers, cleaners, printers and engineers.
Can I make an industrial dermatitis claim?
If you have a skin disease that was caused by your working conditions, and you are within three years of being told that it may have been related to your work, then you may be entitled to make an industrial dermatitis claim.
How do I prove my dermatitis is work-related?
The first obstacle in a dermatitis compensation claim is demonstrating that the condition is work related. Even where a dermatologist confirms dermatitis in the claimant, establishing the cause can be difficult. For example, it could be argued that it was triggered by a substance outside of the work environment, or that the claimant already had the condition.
Demonstrating when symptoms occurred and if they correlated with a new job or a change in work conditions, such as the introduction of a new chemical or substance, can be vital.
Any evidence that can be gathered will be important. This includes:
- Medical diagnosis and prognosis on the condition
- Company accident records if it was caused by a single incident
- Physical proof of the suspected causal agent, including insuffient PPE
- Documented evidence of the companies health and safety procedures
- Witness accounts from fellow colleagues
Understanding dermatitis claims in the UK
Industrial dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a common work-related skin disease caused by exposure to a number of substances, and can include frequent contact with water. The condition causes skin inflammation and irritation. If you develop dermatitis or eczema later in life, or if your condition significantly worsens, there is a chance it could be caused by your working conditions.
Exposure to certain materials, such as latex, can also lead to hypersensitivity or an allergy to the substance, and cause painful skin conditions.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in 2013 there were 1297 new diagnoses of occupational skin diseases. 907 of those (75%) were contact dermatitis (EPIDERM).
Working with wet hands, and contact with soap and other cleaning materials, are the most common causes. Others include latex, rubber, petroleum, cements, flour and nickel. Dermatitis can also be biological (plant or bacteria), physical (vibration or radiation) or mechanical (abrasion).
It can be caused by prolonged exposure, excessive exposure, splashes, touches or contaminated surfaces. Alternatively, airborne substances can deposit on the skin.
Occupations with the highest rates are florists, hairdressers, cooks, beauticians, and certain manufacturing and health care related occupations (THOR-EPIDERM).
Hands are most at risk, but dermatitis can affect the face and other parts of the body. A difficult condition to live with, it can cause significant pain and discomfort. Some people become permanently sensitised to certain substances. Some have to give up work because of it.
The Pursuit Claims panel of solicitors have a wealth of experience in dealing with work-related skin diseases, such as dermatitis.
When is dermatitis cause for a claim?
If dermatitis is brought on by non-fault exposure to an irritant or allergen, then a claim can be made for compensation. For occupational related dermatitis cases, responsibility would lie with the employer.
All employers have a legal duty of care’ to ensure employees are kept safe from harm. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, employers are required to carry out risk assessments of the work environment to identify possible hazards. Once identified, they must remove them or adopt adequate health and safety measures to protect workers.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) more specifically requires employers to identify hazards associated with substances in the workplace, such as chemical agents, assess the extent of exposure and minimise the risks. Whilst The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 describes what they must do to manage the health and safety issues.
This set of regulations is particularly relevant as the substances that cause dermatitis are essential in many industries. For example, health workers are required to frequently wash their hands with soap and wear gloves. Likewise, hairdressers are frequently in contact with soaps and other chemicals and construction workers will need to use cements, plaster and other masonry.
In these instances, the employer must ensure that employees are given training on the risks and offered suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes gloves and clothing specifically matched to the substance. In addition skin creams and adequate washing facilities should be provided.
If a person’s dermatitis is the result of an employer failing to carry out these legal duties, this would constitute employer negligence, making them liable.
Our dedicated panel of solicitors provide a No Win No Fee* services typically customers pay 25% of the amount recovered to our solicitors, although this will be subject to your individual circumstances and the actual fee may be less than this but it will never be more.