WORK RELATED DISEASES
COMBATING THE THREAT
Occupational skin disorder is the second most common work-related health problem in Europe. It seriously affects both an organisation’s efficiency, and the well-being of its employees. Paul Jakeway, Marketing Director at Deb, explains what can be done to tackle this problem.
Occupational skin disorders are skin problems acquired in the workplace. They can range from mild, short-term skin irritations to serious conditions such as occupational dermatitis. At the extreme end of the spectrum, there is skin cancer.
Research leaves no doubt about the seriousness of the problem: every year, around 3million working days are lost because of occupational
skin disorders, costing the EU an estimated €600m . It is the second most common work-related health problem in Europe, yet it still goes largely unreported.
Whether it’s exposure to potentially irritating or harmful substances, working in difficult conditions such as cold or hot weather, or the frequent use of cleansers throughout the day – work can come with the risk of damaging the skin of employees, with potentially serious consequences for their health and well-being.
The most prevalent type of skin disorder reported in the workplace is occupational dermatitis, which can be defined as an inflammation of the skin caused by the working environment, or by skin contact with a damaging substance.
The symptoms and the seriousness of the condition vary widely, depending on the type and length of exposure to
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an irritant, as well as the susceptibility of the person concerned. If untreated the condition can spread to other parts of the body, and correct early treatment is essential.
According to figures by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an estimated 84,000 people have dermatitis caused or made worse by their work across all industries in the UK .
The costs can be significant: if their employees are affected, companies might not only have to pay the salary of those absent due to occupational skin disorder; they might also have to cover the overtime incurred by those stepping in, as well as any overall losses.
If employees leave a company as the result of occupational skin disease, businesses are potentially faced with the costs of recruiting temporary or replacement staff, training, and providing support to other staff. In a worst-case scenario, employers could
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