What is contact dermatitis?
[Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) — caused by repeated exposure to irritants damaging the skin barrier: soaps, detergents, wet work, solvents; Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) — immune sensitisation to a specific allergen: latex, epoxy resins, chromate in cement, nickel, hairdressing chemicals; distinction matters for valuation and causation]
What causes occupational contact dermatitis?
[Healthcare: latex gloves, antiseptic washes, wet work; hairdressing: peroxide, bleach, dyes, wet work; cleaning: detergents, bleach; catering: wet work, detergents, food acids; construction: cement (chromate), epoxy resins; metalworking: cutting fluids]
What does COSHH 2002 require about skin exposure?
[Assess skin exposure hazards; substitute where possible; provide engineering controls (gloves, creams, washing facilities); health surveillance where sensitisation possible; inform and train workers; keep records]
How is a contact dermatitis claim valued?
[JCG does not have a single dermatitis chapter; typically falls under "skin disease" or the body part affected; relevant ranges: Severe dermatitis affecting both hands, affecting employment: potentially £13,000 to £29,000 Moderate dermatitis, some employment impact: £7,000 to £13,000 Minor, fully resolved after treatment: £2,000 to £6,000 Psychiatric element where significant impact on quality of life]
What is the date of knowledge for a contact dermatitis claim?
[Gradual onset; time limit from when claimant knew condition was significant, caused by work, and employer responsible; often around formal occupational health or dermatologist diagnosis]
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Can I claim for hand dermatitis caused by cleaning chemicals at work?
Yes, if your employer failed to provide adequate PPE (gloves), failed to carry out a COSHH assessment, or failed to reduce your exposure to detergents and wet work.
Can I claim for a latex allergy developed at work?
Yes. Latex allergy is a recognised occupational allergy. Healthcare employers in particular have a duty to use non-powdered, low-allergen gloves and to switch to latex-free alternatives where sensitisation is identified.
What if dermatitis has prevented me from returning to my career?
Sensitisation to a workplace allergen — particularly in hairdressing or healthcare — can prevent a return to the same role. Loss of earnings including the cost of retraining for a different career is recoverable.
Sources
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
- PPE at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022)
- HSE — Skin at work (hse.gov.uk/skin)
- Judicial College Guidelines, 17th edition (2024)