Because of the time limit on occupational dermatitis claims, it is really important that people are made aware of their rights in regard to occupational dermatitis so that they can claim for the compensation they deserve, instead of missing out.
There are many industries in which workers also suffer from this skin condition, and many are potentially eligible to make a claim.
What is occupational dermatitis?
Occupational dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin, often caused by contact with certain hazardous substances or other elements of your working environment. It is not contagious, so it cannot be spread between different people. In most cases, occupational dermatitis is only found on the hands as they are the most exposed part of your body at work and you are likely to be touching the substances that trigger the adverse reaction
What are the causes of occupational dermatitis?
As with any health problem, there are often a number of different variable factors that could have caused your skin condition. There are also a number of different things that you may have been exposed to that could have caused or triggered your dermatitis. Certain substances are more likely to aggravate your skin than others, and therefore exposure to them can be painful. Substances that are known as causative agents, that can cause industrial dermatitis include the following:
- Flour
- Cement
- Bleaches
- Paints
- Glues
If you work around one of these causative agents then it is difficult to avoid coming to contact with it, but your employer should always put your safety first and provide adequate protection such as gloves so that you don’t develop or trigger dermatitis.
What are the symptoms of occupational dermatitis?
The most common symptoms for this skin condition are:
- Rashes
- Itching
- Redness
- Cracking
- Blotchy skin
If you have been suffering from these symptoms then it is best to visit your doctor, where they will most likely give you an emollient to try and relieve the painful symptoms.
A common condition is occupational eczema. If you are suffering from eczema caused at your place of your work you can likely claim eczema compensation.
Which jobs put you most at risk of developing occupational dermatitis?
If you are in one of the following professions, then there is a chance that you may be more likely to develop industrial dermatitis. There are:
- Nursing and healthcare
- Cooking and catering
- Hairdressing and beauty
- Engineering and construction
- Cleaning and housekeeping
Occupational dermatitis can develop with either regular contact with a weak substance, or short-term exposure to a very strong irritant.
If you think that you are suffering from occupational dermatitis then it is best to first visit your doctor, but then consider seeking legal advice from industrial disease solicitors in order to receive compensation for your avoidable condition.