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This fact sheet will give you some basic information about industrial dermatitis, or eczema. You can also listen to it online or download it onto an MP3 player.

Please be aware that this is not legal advice and if you are concerned about any of the issues mentioned you should speak to a lawyer.

You can contact Russell Jones & Walker's solicitors at enquiries@rjw.co.uk or call our freephone number 0800 916 9065.

What is industrial dermatitis?

Industrial dermatitis is sometimes called eczema and is one of the most common skin diseases caused by work in the UK. It happens when you come into contact with a hazardous or toxic substance at work. The exposed and unprotected skin caused by eczema can be rough and painful. At its worst, cracked and bleeding skin will make it impossible for you to carry on working.

What causes industrial dermatitis?

There are two types of industrial dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis is caused by exposure to things like acids, alkalis, soaps, cleansing agents and detergents, and solvents. These damage your skin, causing redness and inflammation and your skin may also itch, crack and bleed.

Irritant dermatitis can spread all over your body if it isn’t treated and exposure continues. However, your skin will usually settle if you stop coming into contact with the substance causing the eczema.

Allergic contact dermatitis is caused when you come into contact with a substance to which you have become hypersensitive or allergic. This sort of dermatitis develops in stages. There might not be any sign of skin damage at first, but if you continue to be exposed to the substance symptoms can appear. Allergic contact dermatitis is often caused by things like nickel and other metals, latex, rubber and fragrances.

How am I protected from industrial dermatitis?

Your employer has a duty to protect you from any reasonably foreseeable risk of injury or disease. This includes protecting you from coming into contact with substances that can cause industrial dermatitis.

Once they have identified there is a risk, your employer should either change it for a less hazardous substance, or redesign your job to eliminate them altogether. If this isn’t possible, they should make sure you don’t come into contact with the substances. In addition, your employer should provide suitable facilities for washing and drying close to your work area and make sure that it isn’t the cleaning materials that are causing you eczema.

Does my employer have to do anything else to protect me from industrial dermatitis?

Your employer should carry out health surveillance and provide you with information, instruction, training and supervision. Hazardous substances should be stored and labelled correctly with clear hazard warnings displayed.

Your employer should also provide you with barrier creams and personal protective equipment, such as gloves, face shields and overalls to protect you from any hazardous substances you have to use. These must be suitable for your job and for you. For example, many hazardous substances can penetrate ordinary creams and rubber gloves, which can cause further harm.

What can I do if I am suffering from industrial dermatitis?

You can claim compensation if you are suffering from industrial dermatitis. To do this you will have to prove that:

• Your employer has a duty of care towards you
• Your employer has broken that duty of care or has been negligent in exposing you to a hazardous substance
• Your employer knew, or ought to have known, that you were at risk of developing industrial dermatitis if they didn’t taka any action
• Your employer’s breach of duty or negligent act has caused your disease. This can be confirmed by medical evidence.

You should consult your GP if you think you are suffering from eczema, whatever you think may have caused it. You should then speak to a lawyer about whether you may have a claim for compensation against your employer for your skin disease.