Each year around 2,000 cases of occupational dermatitis are reported.
Occupational dermatitis is an eczema that is triggered or aggravated by work itself or the working conditions.
The eczema may occur as a result of short or long term subjection to allergens or irritating substances such as:
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Wet work involving frequent hand washing and glove use.
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Working with irritant substances like soap, food products, solvents, tapping fluids and more.
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Working with allergenic substances such as rubber chemicals, preservatives, dyes, plants, metals to name a few.
The most common form of occupational dermatitis is hand eczema, but eczema can also develop elsewhere on the body.
Allergies may occur if you’re exposed to allergens in the workplace. Even small amounts of allergy-inducing substances can cause allergy if you often have contact with the substance.
See a doctor
Seek medical attention if you develop eczema. The dermatologist will examine you to determine the possible cause of eczema. It is important that you bring information about the products you are in contact with at work.
If you have eczema, and it is recognised as a work injury, you may qualify for compensation or other benefits.
Conditions for recognition
In Denmark, several conditions must be met for your eczema to be recognized as work related:
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For instance, the eczema must have occurred while you were working for an employer based in Denmark.
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It must also be a direct result of the work or the circumstances in which the work has been carried out.
Seven out of ten cases claimed to be occupational dermatitis is recognised as a work injury.
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