Occupational Health Consultant for Dermatitis
Enquire NowAt Occupational Health Consultant, we provide specialist health surveillance and workplace advice for employees at risk of occupational dermatitis.
Dermatitis is one of the most common work-related health problems in the UK, caused by exposure to irritants such as chemicals, oils, detergents, solvents, and even prolonged glove use.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, employers have a legal duty to assess risks to skin health and arrange regular surveillance where risks remain.
Our consultants deliver confidential skin checks, impartial reporting, and practical guidance to protect employees while ensuring compliance.
Request a free consultation from our team today.
Why Do Workers Need Occupational Health Services for Dermatitis?
Work-related dermatitis can start as mild redness or itching but may progress to cracking, blistering, and painful skin conditions if left untreated.
This can lead to sickness absence, long-term disability, and even claims against employers.
Occupational health services help detect the condition early, recommend workplace adjustments, and provide advice on prevention.
This ensures healthier employees and safer workplaces.
What Does Dermatitis Health Surveillance Involve?
Surveillance usually begins with a baseline assessment when employees start work in an at-risk role.
Ongoing checks include questionnaires about symptoms, discussions of work practices, and clinical skin examinations (commonly of hands and forearms).
If signs of dermatitis are found, the consultant may recommend treatment, workplace changes, or referral to a GP or dermatologist.
Employers then receive a work-focused outcome report confirming whether the employee is fit, fit with restrictions, or requires adjustments.
Who Requires Skin Surveillance?
Skin checks are needed for employees who come into contact with substances known to cause dermatitis or other skin conditions.
This includes healthcare staff, cleaners, hairdressers, catering staff, engineers, construction workers, and print industry employees.
Employers must assess risks and arrange skin surveillance for staff regularly exposed to irritants or allergens.
Failure to do so is a breach of COSHH and may result in enforcement action.
How Often Should Dermatitis Skin Checks Be Carried Out?
The frequency depends on the level of workplace risk.
In high-risk environments, skin checks should be conducted every 3–6 months, while annual checks may be sufficient in lower-risk settings.
Baseline assessments before exposure are always essential.
Regular surveillance ensures conditions are identified and managed before they become severe.
What Are the Benefits of Using an Occupational Health Consultant for Dermatitis?
Employers and employees both benefit from professional skin surveillance.
Key benefits include:
Compliance with COSHH and UK workplace safety law.
Early detection of dermatitis and other skin conditions.
Impartial medical advice on treatment and work adjustments.
Reduced absence, compensation claims, and turnover.
Demonstration of an employer’s duty of care to staff.
How Much Do Skin Checks Cost?
Occupational skin checks cost £45 to £120 per employee per year.
The cost depends on the number of employees and whether checks are carried out onsite or in a clinic.
For larger companies, annual service contracts provide cost-effective and consistent monitoring.
This investment reduces the long-term costs of sickness absence and litigation.
Are Dermatitis Medical Records Confidential?
All skin checks are confidential.
Employers do not receive detailed medical findings.
They only receive a summary outcome: fit, fit with restrictions, or unfit for work involving exposure.
This protects employee privacy while ensuring employers can manage workplace risks effectively.
What Symptoms Should Employees Monitor Between Skin Checks?
Employees should regularly check their skin for early warning signs of dermatitis.
These include redness, itching, dryness, flaking, cracks, swelling, or blistering, particularly on the hands and forearms.
Even mild symptoms should not be ignored, as dermatitis can worsen quickly if exposure continues.
Reporting concerns early allows occupational health consultants to intervene before conditions become chronic.
What Are Employers’ Legal Responsibilities for Dermatitis?
Employers are legally responsible under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 to protect staff from workplace skin hazards.
This involves carrying out risk assessments, substituting harmful substances where possible, and providing suitable protective equipment.
Where risks remain, regular health surveillance through skin checks must be arranged.
Employers must also train staff on safe handling and skin protection techniques.
Can Dermatitis Be Prevented in the Workplace?
Most cases of occupational dermatitis can be prevented with the right measures.
Employers should ensure suitable gloves and protective clothing are available, provide skin-friendly soaps and moisturisers, and maintain good hand-washing facilities.
Staff training is equally important to reinforce the correct use of PPE and the safe handling of irritants.
When combined with regular skin checks, these steps significantly reduce risk.
How Long Should Employers Keep Health Records for Skin Surveillance?
Employers must keep health records for all employees undergoing skin surveillance.
These records should include assessment dates, fitness outcomes, and any restrictions or adjustments.
They must be retained for at least 40 years, since occupational skin conditions may have long-term consequences.
Maintaining accurate records ensures compliance and provides evidence for regulators or future claims.
Can Employees Refuse Dermatitis Health Surveillance?
Participation requires employee consent, but in workplaces with significant skin hazard exposure, surveillance is mandatory under COSHH.
If a worker refuses, they may not legally be able to continue in roles involving hazardous substances.
Employers should explain that assessments are confidential and designed to protect staff health.
This reassurance usually encourages employees to take part in the process.
Request a Free Consultation
At Occupational Health Consultant , we deliver professional skin surveillance programmes that protect employees from occupational dermatitis while helping employers meet COSHH obligations.
With impartial advice and tailored workplace support, we reduce risk and protect both staff health and business continuity.
Contact the Occupational Health Consultant today to arrange dermatitis skin checks for your workforce.
Other Services We Offer
At Occupational Health Consultant, we offer a wide range of services; some of these include:
Occupational Health Consultant for Skin Checks
Occupational Health Consultant for Asbestos
Occupational Health Consultant for Bakery Workers
Occupational Health Consultant for Benzene
Occupational Health Consultant for Radiation Workers
Occupational Health Consultant for Silica Exposure
Occupational Health Consultant for Formaldehyde
Occupational Health Consultant for Lead Exposure
Occupational Health Consultant for COSHH
Occupational Health Consultant for Mental Health