Research from Norway’s National Institute of Occupational Health shows that psychosocial hazards in the workplace have the potential to trigger occupational skin problems, including eczema and rashes. Previously, the link between psychosocial stressors and skin problems has not been routinely considered in reviewing risk factors for work-related skin problems, with most focus on chemical and physical work exposure.
The study of 3,430 workers found significant and consistent links between emotional demands, role conflict and interpersonal conflict with the development of eczema, rashes and itchy skin, with interpersonal conflict showing the strongest correlation. Exposure to interpersonal conflict in the workplace may activate the body’s stress response system, resulting in hormonal changes that may weaken the immune system and make the skin more susceptible to inflammation and infections.
Work stress from experiencing interpersonal conflict may also disrupt sleep and result in unhealthy lifestyle choices, both of which could contribute to the development or worsen common skin conditions.
The findings of this research highlight the need for psychosocial hazards to be flagged as potential risk factors for skin problems, alongside chemical and work exposures, in work environment surveillance and prevention strategies.
Employees can learn about psychosocial hazards and how to protect themselves at work on our OHS Reps Psychosocial Health page.
Employers can find advice on how to maintain a safer and healthier workplace by accessing WorkSafe’s resources on managing psychosocial hazards, including recordings of the webinars from the 2024 Health and Safety month.