So what exactly causes occupational dermatitis.

• Frequent or prolonged contact with cleaning products may cause dermatitis and other skin disorders including (more rarely) skin cancer.
• If the hands are frequently wet, or wet for prolonged periods during the workday, this can lead to dermatitis.

So what can I do about it?

You will need to protect your skin, which you do by:

• Wash any contamination from your skin promptly
• Don’t use aggressive cleaners or solvents to clean skin
• Thoroughly dry hands after washing, using soft cotton or paper towels
• Make use of moisturizing pre-work and after-work creams
• Use designated protective clothing/gloves and select gloves that are the right size and right for the task to be done.
• Use and store gloves correctly and replace gloves as necessary.
• Deal with spills promptly
• Keep the workrooms clean

You will also need to make sure regular skin checks are carried out to look for early signs of skin disease. Refer to HSE poster displayed in close proximity to hand washing areas:

• Regular skin checks can spot the early stages of disease.
• Early detection can prevent more serious problems from developing.
• Steps can then be taken to start treating the condition.