Occupational skin disease is important and a common health problem. Repeated skin irritation or skin sensitisation can lead to dermatitis.

However, if you detect the signs of dermatitis early enough, and reduce workers’ exposure to the substances responsible, you will reduce or cure the disease. But if left untreated, dermatitis can become irreversible.

If skin becomes sensitised, a small amount can trigger a bad reaction.

Substances which can cause skin problems:

• Epoxy resins
• Latex
• Rubber chemicals
• Soaps and cleaners
• Metalworking fluids
• Cement
• Wet work (hand immersion, particularly multiple short-term immersion using soap or detergent, is associated with dermatitis)
• Enzymes
• Wood

All the above can all cause dermatitis.

Corrosive and irritating chemicals also lead to dermatitis.

Solvents on the skin make other chemicals more likely to cause skin damage.

Health Surveillance is required under the COSHH regulations 2002 although it is never an alternative to proper control of exposure. RSOH is happy to help you with your skin surveillance programme.

Health surveillance could include the following measures: An assessment of workers' skin condition as soon as possible after they start a relevant job to provide a baseline. Then regular checks - every few months or annually, depending on the type of job. This could involve a questionnaire and skin inspection (hands, forearms and, if these can be contaminated, lower legs).

Although skin disease happens more in certain high-risk industry sectors, the law states that all employees and employers have to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). The Health and Safety Executive’s website provides extensive information on the definition of what substances are classed as hazardous.