What Are The Causes And Effects Of Occupational Dermatitis?

The causes of occupational dermatitis include being in contact with harmful chemicals such as adhesives, flour, certain plants, oils, greases inks, cement, dyes and bleaches, certain foods, and cleaning products. The list of possible causes is extensive and you may need a patch test to confirm the cause of your dermatitis.

The effects of occupational dermatitis include redness of the skin, itching, infected skin, skin growths, swelling and blistering of the skin which may become infected. It can spread to other parts of the body although the condition is not contagious.

The professions that are most at risk of developing occupational dermatitis are:

• Cleaners
• Hairdressers
• Mechanics
• Chefs or those working within conditions
• Healthcare workers
• Builders

What Should My Employer Do To Prevent Occupational Dermatitis?

By taking the correct preventative steps to minimise contact with harmful substances and agents and adopting an appropriate skin safety regime, the risk of occupational dermatitis can be reduced.

Your employer will need to act in accordance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations which determines the specific legal measures companies must take. One of those measures is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) which outlines in detail what employers need to do in relation to harmful substances in the workplace.

Control measures must be put in place and it should be considered whether or not all the chemicals are an essential business need. Regular reporting of how the substances are controlled and the promotion of good personal hygiene also form part of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations 2002.

Employers should minimise all threats of dermatitis at every opportunity. One of the things they must do is encourage employees to tell of symptoms of dermatitis, as eary intervention is vital to ensure that the condition doesn't get worse.

How Much Compensation?

All personal injury cases are unique and so the amount of compensation that is awarded in each case is also unique. Compensation is understood by looking at two specific factors: general damages and special damages.

General Damages

The pain and suffering that your injuries have caused are main factors that are used to determine how much general damage compensation you are owed. This will usually be determined by undergoing a medical examination, from which a report is created that highlights the length of time the injuries will take to heal as well as their severity. Our compensation caluclator will give you an indication of how much general damage compensation you might be entitled to based upon your injuries.

Special Damages

In addition to receiving compensation for your injuries, you may be able to reclaim any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your injuries. Compensation for financial losses is known as special damages compensation. This can include losses such as loss of earnings due to not being able to return to work, the cost of treatment as well as travel to treatment. It is important that you keep any receipts or evidence of additional losses in order for these to be reclaimed.

The time limit for bringing an occupational illness claims is three years from the date that you became aware of your symptoms and that they were caused by your work.  The time from when this three year timeline begins can, however, vary on a case by case basis and therefore if you think you have an allergy or any other occupational illness then please do not delay in calling us to discuss how we may be able to assist you.

Making Personal Injury Claims

You may be entitled to compensation for a range of compensation claims under accident claims. Our experts will help assess your potential claim going forwards and provide you with proficient advice. Contact First Personal Injury to discuss your potential compensation claim today by ringing 0333 358 2345 or by filling out the online claims form.