Occupational Dermatitis Claims

Occupational dermatitis is a skin condition that develops or worsens because of exposure to substances encountered at work. It is one of the most common work-related health conditions in the UK and can affect people across a wide range of industries.

The condition often develops gradually following repeated contact with irritants or allergens. What may begin as mild redness, dryness or itching can become a more serious and persistent condition affecting both work and everyday life.

For some people, occupational dermatitis can make it difficult to continue working in their chosen profession. Others may require ongoing treatment and experience symptoms that affect daily activities long after exposure has ended.

If you have developed dermatitis because of your work, compensation may be available.

What is occupational dermatitis?

Occupational dermatitis is inflammation of the skin caused or aggravated by workplace exposure.

The condition usually develops after the skin comes into repeated contact with substances that either irritate the skin or trigger an allergic reaction.

There are two main types of occupational dermatitis:

Irritant Contact Dermatitis
This occurs when repeated exposure to substances damages the skin's protective barrier over time.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis
This occurs when the immune system develops a reaction to a particular substance after exposure.

Both forms of dermatitis can result in painful and uncomfortable symptoms that may affect a person's ability to work.

Which jobs are most commonly linked to occupational dermatitis?

Occupational dermatitis can affect workers in many industries.

Occupations commonly associated with work-related skin conditions include:

• Hairdressers
• Cleaners
• Healthcare workers
• Care workers
• Construction workers
• Mechanics
• Engineers
• Painters and decorators
• Food processing workers
• Catering staff
• Bakers
• Agricultural workers
• Manufacturing operatives
• Beauty therapists

Many of these professions involve daily contact with chemicals, cleaning products, oils, solvents, dusts or other substances that can affect the skin.

What substances can cause occupational dermatitis?

A wide range of workplace substances may contribute to occupational dermatitis.

Common examples include:

• Cleaning chemicals
• Disinfectants
• Detergents
• Soaps and sanitisers
• Solvents
• Paints and coatings
• Oils and lubricants
• Cement and concrete products
• Adhesives
• Resins
• Latex products
• Hair dyes and hair treatment products
• Food ingredients and additives

The risk often increases where workers are exposed repeatedly over a prolonged period or where suitable protective measures are not in place.

Symptoms of occupational dermatitis

Symptoms can develop gradually and may worsen with continued exposure.

Common symptoms include:

• Dry skin
• Redness
• Itching
• Soreness
• Cracking skin
• Blistering
• Swelling
• Burning sensations
• Flaking skin
• Bleeding or broken skin

Symptoms most commonly affect the hands, fingers and forearms, although other areas of the body may also be affected depending on the nature of the exposure.

Some people notice that their symptoms improve during weekends, annual leave or periods away from work before returning when they resume their duties.

How can occupational dermatitis affect everyday life?

Although sometimes viewed as a minor condition, occupational dermatitis can have a significant impact on daily life.

The condition may affect:

• Ability to perform work duties
• Sleep quality
• Comfort during everyday tasks
• Confidence and wellbeing
• Hobbies and recreational activities
• Future employment opportunities

For some workers, ongoing exposure means symptoms repeatedly return despite treatment. In more severe cases, individuals may need to change jobs or leave their industry altogether.

Where the condition becomes chronic, symptoms can continue long after the original exposure has ended.

When might an occupational dermatitis claim be possible?

A compensation claim may be possible where workplace exposure caused occupational dermatitis or made an existing skin condition significantly worse.

Relevant factors may include:

• The substances used in the workplace
• Whether risk assessments were carried out
• The availability of protective gloves or equipment
• Training provided to employees
• Workplace hygiene procedures
• The nature and length of exposure
• Whether concerns were reported and acted upon

Industrial disease claims often involve investigating workplace practices and the measures that were taken to reduce the risk of harm.

Every claim will depend on its own circumstances and the available evidence.

What evidence may support an occupational dermatitis claim?

Evidence may include:

• Medical records

• Dermatology reports
• Photographs of symptoms
• Employment records
• Occupational health assessments
• Witness evidence
• Risk assessments
• Training records
• Details of substances used in the workplace

Not every claim will involve the same evidence. However, medical evidence and information relating to workplace exposure are often important when investigating occupational dermatitis claims.

How our industrial disease solicitors can help

Our Personal Injury team can assist with occupational dermatitis claims by:

• Reviewing your employment history
• Assessing potential workplace causes
• Investigating working conditions
• Gathering relevant evidence
• Obtaining medical evidence where required
• Explaining the options available to you

Industrial disease claims can be complex, particularly where symptoms have developed gradually over a number of years.

Every case is considered on its own facts and circumstances.

Funding an occupational dermatitis claim

Many industrial disease claims can be funded through a Conditional Fee Agreement, often known as a no win no fee arrangement.

Legal Expenses Insurance may also be available through home insurance, motor insurance, trade union membership or other insurance policies.

Where appropriate, we can help determine whether Legal Expenses Insurance cover may be available and explain how it could assist with legal costs.

What happens first?

The first step is a confidential, no-obligation conversation.

We will discuss your symptoms, employment history and the substances you may have been exposed to during your work.

If appropriate, we can explain whether a claim may be possible and what information may assist in investigating the circumstances further.

There is no pressure to proceed, and any discussion can take place at a pace that feels right for you.

Time limits for occupational dermatitis claims

Personal injury claims are subject to time limits.

In many cases, a claim must be started within three years of the date you became aware, or could reasonably have become aware, that your skin condition may be linked to workplace exposure.

Because occupational dermatitis often develops gradually, the date when a person first becomes aware of the connection between their symptoms and work can be an important factor.

Obtaining legal advice early can help clarify how time limits may apply in your particular circumstances.

Occupational Dermatitis Claims – Frequently Asked Questions

What is occupational dermatitis?

Occupational dermatitis is a skin condition caused or worsened by exposure to substances encountered in the workplace.

Which professions are most commonly affected by occupational dermatitis?

Hairdressers, cleaners, healthcare workers, construction workers, mechanics, food production workers and manufacturing employees are among the professions most commonly associated with occupational dermatitis.

What substances commonly cause occupational dermatitis?

Cleaning products, chemicals, solvents, oils, cement, latex products, paints, adhesives and hair treatment products are among the substances frequently linked to work-related skin conditions.

Can occupational dermatitis become permanent?

In some cases, symptoms can continue for a prolonged period or become chronic, particularly where exposure continues or treatment is delayed.

Can I claim if I have changed jobs?

Potentially yes. Many occupational disease claims are investigated after a worker has left the employment where the exposure occurred.

What evidence is needed for an occupational dermatitis claim?

Medical evidence, employment records and information about workplace exposure are often important when investigating a claim.

Can an existing skin condition be made worse by work?

Yes. In some cases, workplace exposure may aggravate an existing skin condition and contribute to worsening symptoms.

Can a family member make an enquiry on someone's behalf?

Yes. A family member can often make an initial enquiry where support is needed.

Speak to us about an occupational dermatitis claim

If you have developed occupational dermatitis and believe your condition may be linked to your work, we understand how uncomfortable and disruptive a persistent skin condition can be.

An initial conversation can help you understand whether a claim may be possible, what evidence may be needed and what funding options may be available, with no obligation to proceed.

Contact our Personal Injury team at Clarkson Wright & Jakes on 01689 887887 or at cwj@cwj.co.uk to discuss an Occupational Dermatitis compensation claim. 

Alternatively, you can complete our Personal Injury Calculator here.