Occupational Dermatitis Claims — Work Skin Condition Compensation
Last reviewed: June 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors
You can claim for occupational dermatitis if workplace chemicals, wet work or sensitising agents damaged your skin because your employer failed to assess and control exposure under the COSHH Regulations 2002, for example by not providing suitable gloves. Claims must usually start within three years of learning the condition was work-related. Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit may also be available.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
Key Points
- Occupational dermatitis is a prescribed industrial disease for IIDB purposes
- Employers must assess and control exposure to skin hazards under COSHH
- Allergic contact dermatitis is permanent sensitisation — immune reaction to trace quantities
- Three-year limitation period from date of knowledge
- No win, no fee — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation
Types of Occupational Dermatitis
Occupational dermatitis (also called occupational contact dermatitis) presents as red, itchy, inflamed skin that may blister, crack and bleed. It is the most common occupational skin disease and accounts for the largest single category of occupational disease referrals to NHS dermatology services. There are two main types:
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Caused by direct chemical or physical damage to the skin, without immune involvement. Common causes include repeated wet work (detergents, water), cutting fluids, solvents, alkalis (cement, cleaning products) and acids. It does not require prior sensitisation — it can affect anyone with sufficient exposure. Severity depends on the nature of the irritant and the frequency and duration of exposure.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Caused by immune system sensitisation to a specific substance (hapten). Once sensitised, even minute quantities of the allergen will trigger a reaction. Common occupational allergens include nickel, chrome (cement), epoxy resins, rubber accelerators, fragrances and preservatives. Allergic contact dermatitis is a permanent condition — the sensitisation cannot be reversed.
Industries at Highest Risk
- Hairdressing — persulphate bleaches, hair dyes, shampoos, wet work
- Healthcare — latex, antiseptics, cleaning agents, frequent handwashing
- Construction — cement (chromate), epoxy resins, solvents
- Catering and food processing — wet work, food acids, cleaning products
- Engineering and metalworking — cutting fluids, solvents, chrome
- Agriculture — pesticides, plant sap, soil organisms
- Cleaning — detergents, disinfectants, wet work
- Beauty therapy and nail technicians — acrylates and methacrylates
Employer Duties
Under COSHH 2002, employers must assess skin risks, prevent or adequately control dermal exposure, provide suitable PPE (gloves appropriate to the hazardous substance) and skin care products, monitor health, and train workers. Where employers fail in these duties — for example by supplying inadequate gloves, failing to assess skin risks or requiring continuous wet work without protection — they may be liable for resulting dermatitis.
No Win, No Fee Occupational Dermatitis Claims
We act under a Conditional Fee Agreement. If the claim fails, you pay nothing. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation.