Occupational dermatitis is a painful and often debilitating skin condition triggered by exposure to irritants or allergens in the workplace. It affects workers across a wide range of sectors, from cleaning, and catering to engineering, and hairdressing. If you’ve developed dermatitis due to your working environment, you may be entitled to compensation.

What Is Occupational Dermatitis?

Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition characterised by:

  • Redness and swelling
  • Itching and flaking
  • Blisters or cracked skin
  • Burning or stinging sensations

It typically affects the hands, wrists, and forearms, but can occur on any area of skin exposed to harmful substances.

There are two main types:

  • Irritant Contact Dermatitis: caused by frequent exposure to soaps, detergents, oils, or solvents
  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis: an immune response to a specific allergen such as latex, nickel, or certain chemicals

Both types can make work painful or impossible and may become chronic if untreated.

Who Is at Risk?

Occupational dermatitis is common in jobs involving repeated wet work or contact with cleaning agents, chemicals, or food. High-risk roles include:

  • Cleaners and janitorial staff
  • Carers and healthcare workers
  • Hairdressers and beauty therapists
  • Construction workers and decorators
  • Mechanics and engineers
  • Catering and food production staff

In many cases, the condition could have been prevented with proper protective measures.

Employer Responsibilities

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), employers must:

  • Assess and control exposure to skin irritants or allergens
  • Provide appropriate PPE such as gloves and barrier creams
  • Ensure handwashing and drying facilities are available
  • Substitute harmful substances where possible
  • Offer health surveillance and act on early symptoms

Failure to meet these obligations may be grounds for a legal claim.

Making a Claim

If you have developed occupational dermatitis, you may be able to bring a compensation claim for:

  • Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
  • Loss of earnings or career impact
  • Medical costs and care
  • Adjustments required at work or home

You’ll need to show that your condition is work-related and could have been avoided had your employer taken reasonable steps to protect you.

How Ison Harrison Can Help

We offer:

  • Free initial consultations
  • No win, no fee agreements
  • Support from medical experts to confirm diagnosis and causation
  • Clear and compassionate advice throughout the process

If dermatitis is affecting your ability to work or your quality of life, contact our industrial disease team today for practical legal support.

Speak to a solicitor today

To speak to a member of our specialist team in confidence, call 0113 284 5000 or fill in the enquiry form for expert advice.