OCCUPATIONAL DERMATITIS CLAIMS

Occupational Skin Disease & Allergies – Dermatitis & Eczema

Over 30,000 UK workers suffer from an occupational skin disease, with the most common ailment being occupational or contact dermatitis which is also known as occupational eczema. This condition is the skin’s normal reaction to coming into contact with an irritant which may be as innocuous as soap or bare metal, depending on individual skin sensitivity and the period of exposure to that particular material. The most common symptoms are redness of the skin, swelling, blistering and itchiness, flaking and cracking which is most often seen on the hands however in severe cases, the condition can affect other parts of the body. The second most prevalent group of occupational skin diseases are allergic skin reactions which manifest with similar symptoms to eczema. The most common allergy is to latex which is usually contained in protective gloves or other rubber products which can be particularly difficult for those working in the medical or research industry where wearing protective gloves which often contain latex is mandatory.

Occupational Dermatitis & Eczema – Compensation Claims

Under the UK health and safety legislation employers have to provide a safe work environment and provide adequate training to their workers. This is especially the case when workers have to handle dangerous chemicals or are simply in contact with known irritants on a daily basis. Employers should ensure that there is adequate protective clothing available and that items such as gloves and barrier creams are always on offer for workers likely to come into contact with known irritants. In addition employers should be pro-active in helping workers who have been previously susceptible to occupational skin disease at work. If the employer fails to deal with these matters properly by failing to offer satisfactory protection then there may be a case of negligence if any employee contracts an avoidable occupational skin disease. If you think that you are suffering from a work-related skin disease, make sure you point this out to your employer and then ask your physician for possible causes. Find out from your workplace, which particular product or task is causing the skin irritation or allergy. Once you have pinpointed the irritant, you may have a claim for compensation for personal injury against your employer or producer of the product that caused the skin disease.

No Win No Fee Compensation Claims

If you have developed occupational skin disease due to your employers negligence in failing to properly deal with health and safety matters in the workplace you should take legal advice from an experienced solicitor about the possibility of making a compensation claim for personal injury. You should act as quickly as there are time limits and a potential claim can become statute barred meaning that the opportunity to claim compensation can be lost forever.