Dermatitis at work
Dermatitis - or, more correctly Occupational Dermatitis -
affects virtually all types of work. In catering, for example,
contact with flour, sugar, fruit juices, onions and such, can harm
the skin, and in cleaning, chemicals can damage the skin.
Dermatitis usually affects the hands and forearms. Sometimes the
head and chest may be affected. If the skin comes in contact with
dusts, liquids, and fumes then redness, itching, scaling and
blistering may occur. 66,000 people in the UK suffer from a skin
disease due to their work. Half a million working days are lost
each year.
Legislation
Employers must comply with The Health and Safety at Work Act
1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999,
and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 to
prevent employees from coming in contact with substances hazardous
to health which cause dermatitis.
Further Information