Skin Disease Compensation Claims

Occupational skin diseases may occur due to exposure to certain chemical substances in the workplace.  Those likely to be affected include hairdressers, cleaners, those in the catering industry and those involved in the manufacture or handling of chemicals, detergents, rubber and even some foods.

Contact can occur where there is direct handling of contaminated items or surfaces, spray from mixture or handling substances, immersion of the skin into hazardous substances and through deposits in the air, such as certain dusts.

The most common type of occupational skin disease is Dermatitis (sometimes called eczema), which causes the skin in affected areas to become firstly rough and raw, then itchy and sore.  It may be widely spread over the affected area or concentrated in the form of spots, depending on the substance and level of exposure.  There may be significant absorption of the substance through the skin, which could also cause sickness in other parts of the body, e.g. kidneys or liver.

Other types of occupational skin disease include Contact Urticaria, similar to Dermatitis, but with a rash for a shorter, with a ‘hives’ appearance and may be caused by latex in protective gloves; Photodermatitis, a sensitivity to UV radiation; Ulcerative conditions from contact with wet cement; and, in the most serious cases, skin cancers can develop from excessive exposure to certain substances.

As exposure may have taken place in the workplace, it may be possible to pursue a claim for compensation against an insurance company.