Research

Canadian Research At-Risk Occupations to Develop Dermatitis

New research has analysed nearly 600,000 records from workers' compensation records to identify which occupations are more at risk of developing the skin damaging disease, dermatitis. 

As you would expect, the research highlighted the heightened risk of developing the disease for workers from occupations involving frictional trauma, such as those involved in furniture and fixture manufacturing, food and beverage preparation and the processing of materials like chemicals, petroleum, rubber and plastic.

However more surprisingly, the research also identified a decreased risk of workers in farming, construction and nursing, which had previously been labelled as high-risk groups.

The researchers stated that this could be due to workers previously afflicted with the condition changing occupation, and trends among some groups, such as nurses, to self manage the condition and not report it. Both cases would skew the data.

Dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disease that has a significant impact on a worker's quality of life and work capacity.

Full story was published recently on OHS Alert.

Share Tweet

RELATED

PILOT STUDY: CAN LONG WORK HOURS CHANGE OUR BRAIN?
The results of recent research from South Korea underscore the importance of addressing overwork as an occupational health concern and highlight the need for workplace policies that moderate excessive working hours and...
Read More
LACK OF GUARDING LEADS TO $12.5K FINE FOR EL CIELO
Authentic Mexican Foods Pty Ltd (trading as El Cielo) manufactures Mexican food products at their Airport West facility. In November 2022 WorkSafe Victoria visited El Cielo after receiving a notification from Victoria...
Read More
THIRD FINE FOR FRUIT CANNERY INCIDENT
Harris Plumbing and Welding Pty Ltd was sub-contracted to undertake pipe work on the plant room roof of a vegetable and fruit cannery in Mooroopna in March 2022. Four employees were using...
Read More