Contact dermatitis is an uncomfortable skin condition that leaves exposed body parts inflamed, red, itchy, blistered, hard and cracked. Construction workers commonly acquire this condition after prolonged exposure to an irritating substance. Employers are responsible for protecting their employees from this avoidable situation.
Causes
Exposure to a substance can take only days or even years to show up in dermatitis form. Some of the most common irritants include:
- Wet cement
- Solvents
- Degreasers
- Cutting aids
- Alkalais
- Acids
- Latex
- Wood dust
- Chromates
Employer Responsibility
Employers must have a written safety statement that includes a risk assessment. This will identify all substances that can cause dermatitis on the job site, and employees are entitled to all of the information in the assessment. The report must also include:
- How hazards are labeled
- Who will be likely exposed
- How long the exposure will last
- Frequency of the exposure
- Whether or not the exposure is within the levels of Chemical Agents Regulations
Prevention
Workers can protect themselves from contact dermatis by washing and drying their hands and using appropriate cleaners as well as do regular skin checks. Employers can control and prevent the exposure once the substance is identified in several ways:
- Removal of the substance
- Substituting the irritant with something less hazardous
- Limiting worker exposure
- Provide protective personal equipment including correct gloves
- Instruction on barrier cream application
- Sufficient number of wash stations with cold and hot water and cleaners
- Hand drying facilities
Contact dermatitis can cause an employee to be out of work for long periods of time. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or lost wages because dermatitis protection was not provided by the employer, contact an experienced Los Angeles workplace discrimination lawyer.