Dermatitis management checklist

Dermatitis can affect employees in any workplace, not just those where dangerous chemicals are used. So if an employee says that they have a problem, use our checklist to find some answers.

Managing dermatitis

According to government figures, occupational dermatitis is responsible for around four million lost working days each year and contrary to what you might believe, is a problem which could arise in nearly any workplace. In the event that you find yourself with a problem, or receive a complaint from an employee who suspects that they may have contracted dermatitis through their job, work through our Dermatitis Management Checklist. It will help you ask the right questions in order to determine if you have a problem.

Identifying possible causes

The first section of the checklist looks at symptom history. This is necessary in order to try and identify what the skin problem is. For example, dermatitis comes in a variety of forms including blistering, inflammation or broken skin. The second section moves onto a substance review. This asks if you have material safety data sheets for all chemicals that you use, as well as prompting you to dig out any COSHH assessments that have been completed. Section three looks at the control measures that should be in place, whilst section four focuses on what personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn and how it’s kept clean.