Preventing Industrial Dermatitis in the Workplace

How To Prevent Industrial Dermatitis in the Workplace

Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment and safe working practices for employees to adopt so that injuries, illness and accidents can be minimised.

The first step in creating a safe workplace is to establish the risks present, and the best way to go about this is to conduct a thorough risk assessment of any potential dangers present in the workplace.

The risks that are observed during the assessment need then to have systems put in place to minimise the dangers, some of these are as follows:

Avoiding contact between skin and substances that may cause issues is primary. This can be achieved through various means including adopting systems and procedures to avoid contact, or if that is not possible, providing protection from the dangers, usually in the form of PPE – Personal Protective Equipment.

Gloves, aprons, safety glasses, protective suits and breathing apparatus are among the many potentially advisable pieces of safety equipment that can be used depending on the nature of the risk. For example someone whose hands are frequently immersed in an irritant should be provided with suitable gloves to avoid any contact of the irritant with the skin. They must also be provided with suitable washing facilities so that they can remove any other traces of irritant before they finish their work.

If workers are exposed to gases or dusts which might contain elements which could react with them, they should be provided with suits and breathing apparatus so that they are not put in unnecessary danger.

Temperature can be a factor in the development of industrial dermatitis, so it is important to look at ways of providing a safe environment through use of mechanical air-movement and circulation, such as air-conditioning, or by providing suitable clothing to protect from heat or cold, and to ensure that the workers are as comfortable and safe as possible when performing their duties.

Education and training are crucial when it comes to providing a safe working environment – if people are aware of the dangers present, they are more likely to understand the risks they work with, and more likely to take a sensible approach to their own heath and safety and that of their colleagues. Ensure that all employees are familiar and up to date with current COSHH (Care of Substances Hazardous To Health) legislation.

If you, or someone you know is a victim of ‘industrial dermatitis’ then call our advice line free, 0800 122 3130 or request a free call back when its convenient for you.