CONTACT DERMATITIS AND OCCUPATIONAL EXCEMA

Contact dermatitis and occupational excema caused by exposure to harmful substances at work are the second most common type of illness caused by workplace factors. The substances concerned are not usually regarded as particularly hazardous to most people however a section of the population may become sensitized and react badly to these materials which include such common place chemicals such as solvents and cutting fluids. Most patients with occupational skin disease go on to develop a chronic skin disease which deteriorates performance and productivity at work and adversely affects the quality of their home life.

Employees whose complaint erupts following exposure to a substance whilst at work, but improves when the employee is away from work and recurs when exposed to that substance upon returning to work should take particular care to investigate the problem which may, upon continual repeated exposure, become a lifelong chronic problem.

Employers are required to make an assessment of the risks to health and safety of any employees liable to be exposed to a substance that may cause skin disease and they should have a system of health surveillance to recognise the early symptoms. Employers should ensure that manufacturer’s hazard data information sheets are available to employees and they should supply all necessary protective equipment. Failure to comply with these requirements could mean that an employer is liable to pay damages for personal injury in the event of an employee contracting an avoidable skin disease. If you suffer from occupational skin disease caused by your employer failing to take adequate care to protect you we can help you to get the compensation you deserve

Compensation includes ‘General Damages’ which represents compensation items that are difficult to calculate accurately and include ‘pain and suffering’ , loss of the enjoyment of life and disadvantage on the open labour market. In addition a claim can be made for ‘Special Damages’ which represents compensation for losses that can be accurately calculated and may include;

• medical charges
• loss of earnings
• assistance for household chores
• care and assistance
• medical therapies
• traveling expenses
• expenses
• aids and equipment
• adapted accommodation and transport

We represent an independent network of personal injury solicitors and we are able to deal with a wide range of industrial claims including contact dermatitis and occupational excema. If you’ve been injured as a result of negligence by an employer we can help you to preserve your legal right to compensation. We offer free consultations for advice to find out whether you have a good case, how to go about claiming and how much your compensation might be worth. We will give you clear unequivocal advice about your chances of success and the anticipated value of your claim. If after talking to us you decide not to take matters further you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged anything at all.