Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis can take many forms including contact Dermatitis and allergic Dermatitis.
Some people are born with Dermatitis or they can develop Dermatitis in later life, for no apparent reason. This is generally called eczema. However if you suddenly start to have symptoms in later life, then this could be caused by your working conditions.
What does Dermatitis look like?
The Health and Safety Executive has a number of pictures of Dermatitis on their website below. Please click on the link.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/imagelibrary.htm
As you can see having viewed the images the symptoms can vary in severity quite alarmingly from a few patches of inflamed skin to what appear to look like third degree burns.
Has my Dermatitis been caused by work?
There are any number of ways that you may have come into contact with chemicals or irritants. We have listed some of the main ways:
- Immersion in chemicals
- Direct handling on contaminated workpieces
- Working with contaminated work benches, tools, equipment or clothing
- Mixing powdery substances such as cement and being splashed
- Airborne dust
- Frequently working in water such as dishwashing
What should my employer be doing?
Your employer has a duty to ensure your safety, whilst at work. They cannot delegate this duty and they therefore should be ensuring that you are provided with the necessary equipment, training and supervision, to allow you to undertake your job or work task safely.
Most safety conscious employers will have undertaken a risk assessment of the task you have been asked to complete and have identified the risk of you contracting Dermatitis. They should then implement the necessary procedures and prevent you developing the condition.
The Health & Safety Executive provide the following advice. Further information can be found on their website.
- Get rid of the substance/product/wet work altogether
- Substitute the product/substance for something less harmful
- Introduce controls (such as tools or equipment) to keep a safe working distance between skin and substances/products/wet work
- Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves
- Provide mild skin cleaning cream that will do the job and washing facilities with hot and cold water
- Tell workers to wash their hands before eating and drinking, and before wearing gloves. Suitable cleaning systems exist for mobile workers
- Remind workers to wash any contamination from their skin promptly
- Provide soft cotton or disposable paper towels for drying the skin. Tell workers about the importance of thorough drying after washing
- Protect the skin by moisturizing as often as possible and particularly at the end of the day – this replaces the natural oils that help keep the skin’s protective barrier working properly
- Use suitable pre-work creams. When skin problems are spotted early, they can be treated, which can stop them from getting too serious
Can I claim for damages?
If you have been exposed to substances, which have caused your condition and your employer has failed to take the precautionary steps, then you may be able to make a claim for the injuries you have suffered. You will also be able to claim for any losses you have suffered such as loss of earnings for being off work and attending medical appointments.
How much is my claim worth?
The value of your claim will depend upon the severity of your symptoms and whether they will be permanent.
How can WE help?
WE Solicitors have specialised in industrial diseases and employer liability cases for over 10 years securing compensation for hundreds of clients.
If you suspect that your symptoms have been caused by your work environment, then contact us on freephone 0800 294 3065 or email us at info@wesolicitors.com
We will arrange for a solicitor to speak to you at your convenience in or outside office hours. Where appropriate, a home visit will be arranged to discuss the case.
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