Workers with occupational contact dermatitis: workplace characteristics and prevention practices

BACKGROUND: There are many gaps in knowledge related to prevention practices in place for workers who subsequently develop occupational contact dermatitis (OCD). AIMS: To describe the workplace characteristics and the prevention practices in workplaces where workers developed hand dermatitis. METHODS: Consecutive cases of probable OCD were enrolled from a specialist occupational health clinic. At the time of the initial assessment, questionnaires were administered to collect information about clinical presentation, workplace characteristics and prevention practices at work. RESULTS: 100 workers with hand dermatitis were enrolled in the study and 78 were considered to have OCD. Two-thirds of these had had some occupational health and safety or Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training in their workplace, however, training related to glove use and skin care was less common. Unionized workers were more likely to have received training. Workers involved in wet work were less likely to report training. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that there are gaps in prevention programs for work-related skin disease. Research is needed on effective strategies that are sustainable in the workplace.