OCCUPATIONAL SKIN DISEASE COMPENSATION CLAIMS ADVICE

Occupational Skin Disease affects thousands of people every year and the consequences can have devastating effects on both work and family life. Our team of solicitors have detailed experience in dealing with industrial disease claims and are all members of The Law Society panel of personal injury experts. If you suffer from an injury which is as a result of your employer failing to take adequate care to protect you from this injury then we can help you to get the compensation you deserve.

Occupational disease of the skin is the second most common type of occupational illness, often resulting from exposure to chemical irritants such as solvents and cutting fluids. It not only hinders workers' performance and productivity at work, but it also adversely affects their quality of life. One study showed that 75% of patients with occupational contact dermatitis developed a chronic disease of the skin.

It is estimated that over 60,000 people suffer from work related skin disease in Great Britain of which approximately two thirds have dermatitis or eczema. Over 3000 new cases are diagnosed each year and approximately 80% of these are contact dermatitis. The occupations estimated to be at highest risk are hairdressers and barbers, labourers involved in the manufacture of basic metals, oil and gas extraction, grinding machine setters and operators, and printers. The industries at highest risk were those involved in the manufacture of rubber chemicals and materials, soaps and cleaners.

Possible clues to a work related cause include:

• The complaint erupts following exposure to a substance at work, improves when the employee is away from work and recurs when exposed to that substance upon returning to work.
• The condition appears on areas of skin which have been exposed to a particular substance at work.
• Other people working with the substance have similar skin symptoms.

"The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994" and "The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992", require employers to make an assessment of the risks to any employees liable to be exposed to a substance hazardous to health that may cause a disease of the skin. Employers should obtain hazard data sheets from suppliers, heed warnings on labels and makes suppliers' literature accessible to employees. Protective equipment should also be provided, such as overalls and gloves. Employers should have a system of health surveillance operated by a competent person to recognise the early symptoms, who can give guidance where appropriate.

Specialist Solicitors will initially assess your personal details at no cost to you and will then deal with your occupational skin disease claim using the no win no fee scheme. Your compensation will be paid in full with no deductions. You will be kept fully informed in writing about the progress of your claim and our solicitors will always be available to discuss your claim.