A new study has discovered a rise in incidents of dermatitis amongst healthcare workers.
Following a campaign to encourage frontline hospital workers to wash their hands more often to reduce the risk of superbugs spreading in hospital wards, there has been an increased number of workers coming forward with the condition.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Institute of Population Health at The University of Manchester used data from reports submitted voluntarily by dermatologists. They found that out of a total 7,138 irritant contact dermatitis cases, 1,796 of these occurred in healthcare workers. Taking these initial findings into account, along with detailed analysis of previous years, researchers concluded that healthcare workers are 4.5 times more at risk of suffering from irritant contact dermatitis in 2012 as they were in 1996.
The rise in healthcare workers suffering from this condition is in stark contrast to that of other professions, which have seen a steady decline in dermatitis cases over the same time period. Employers are legally required to ensure their staff are kept safe at work, assessing if workers are at risk of developing dermatitis at work and if so, taking the necessary steps to prevent it. This can be done by eliminating any substances that can cause staff harm and providing suitable gloves and clothing to protect the skin.
It is important to note that the NHS campaigns encouraging staff to wash their hands regularly have been hugely successful in reducing the number of infections present in hospitals and it would be foolish to suggest that they should be stopped to prevent the onset of dermatitis. However, additional studies have suggested that infections and viruses can remain in damaged and broken skin for longer, which could present issues around sufferers of dermatitis presenting a higher risk to hospital environments.
If you or your loved one has suffered with dermatitis or another skin condition as a result of their work, you might be able to make a claim for compensation. To discuss your legal options, please call us on 0800 028 2060 or contact us online here.