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News release

. 25 November 2011 - NR 63/11

Skin disease under microscope as major workplace ill-health issue

The little that’s known about one of the top three* causes of work-related ill-health is being placed under the microscope at an event next week (Tuesday 29 November).

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Yorkshire Branch are highlighting how much of a problem skin disease is within UK workplaces. This arrives on the back of a recent estimate from the EU Agency for Safety and Health suggesting these conditions cost the EU €600,000,000 annually.

Health and safety experts will gather in Brighouse, near Huddersfield, to discuss the main causes and symptoms of conditions like contact dermatitis and eczema. They will share strategies that could help UK businesses such as hairdressers, food processing plants and healthcare organisations to manage the problem better.

Yorkshire Branch chair Michelle Muxworthy said: “Although skin disease is thought to be one of the most prolific work-related ill-health problems, we don’t have statistics to show how big a problem this really is in the UK. This would help us to quantify how much our employees are suffering with these conditions, but also how much of a cost it is to our economy.

“What we’d like to see from this event is a greater awareness of how to reduce the risks of people contracting diseases like contact dermatitis, and a greater acceptance from employers of their a responsibility to put systems in place that enhance protection for employees.”

Chris Packham, an international specialist on dermatological engineering with EnviroDerm Services Ltd, will deliver the talk to delegates on the topic.

He said: “The data we have to capture how much of a problem this is in the UK simply isn’t adequate. We know it costs us millions, but we don’t know how much - the only measure we have is that in Denmark and Germany, it’s the first or second most expensive item on the ill-health bill.”

The disease can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals and strong acids, but the most common is water, especially excessive contact with it. It manifests itself as an itchy rash, but in severe cases it can also cause a complete breakdown of the skin and even anaphylactic shock – akin to nut allergy reactions from nut allergies.

Chris added: “Despite skin diseases being one of the top three occupational ill-health problems, the issue tends to be largely ignored. I’d like to see more recognition of the complexity of the issue and better management of the risks of contracting an illness.

“In the worst case scenario an employee might never be able to work again and the severity of this message simply isn’t getting out there. The truth is, anyone in any job can get skin problems: if there’s an occupation - there’s a risk,” he added.

While office workers face a lesser likelihood of contracting a condition, Chris revealed that hairdressing salon employees are one of the most high-risk groups. In an attempt to tackle this problem, Chris also played a part in the recent Pan-European Safehair strategy, creating a standard approach to managing occupational risk of contracting skin disease.

During the IOSH event, employers will be given a rundown of the type of systems they can put in place to help set up a way of working to reduce risk and put protection in place.

*The World Health Organisation recently revealed skin disease is one of the top three causes of occupational ill-health.

- Ends -

Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.