What are work-related skin diseases?
Work-related skin problems are very common. They can happen in most workplaces although they happen more in certain high-risk jobs[60]. They can be very costly, not just through the suffering individuals experience (which can lead to ending their careers), but also because they can be a burden for employers who are left with sickness absence, recruitment, training and compensation expenses.
What are work-related skin problems?
Work-related skin problems are caused or made worse by exposure to/coming into contact with substances such as chemicals, and also through having wet hands for long periods, while at work. Dermatitis[61] (also known as eczema) is by far the most common, but urticaria[62] and skin cancer[63] are also problems. Exposure to the sun[64] can also cause problems.
What should I do about it?
The good news is that although these problems are common they are preventable. There are simple, cost-effective steps employers and workers can take to avoid skin problems[65] at work, and to manage them if they do happen, using the Avoid, Protect and Check[66] approach.