Most of us are already aware of the danger that airborne contagions like the flu pose in the workplace. However, it is critically important to be aware of work-related skin diseases as well. Skin diseases can be caused by exposure to hazardous agents, physical agents, mechanical trauma, and biological agents found in your workplace
Occupational skin diseases (OSD) are quite widespread, and appear in many forms including: burns, infections, skin injuries, and skin cancers. The dominant cause of OSD is irritation of the skin by contacting elements in the workplace, such as acids and alkaloids. Allergies to substances touched on the job are another chief cause of OSD. Even water can pose a risk. Continued or routine contact with water, especially in combination with detergents and synthetic cleaning agents, can produce dermatitis, the most prevalent OSD.
Every work environment could be a harbor for some strain of occupational skin disease. High risk jobs include: catering, health services, motor vehicle repair, hairdressing,
The fact, is our epidermis is not an impenetrable shield. Against splashes and droplets of water, your skin is fine, but constant immersion under water while experiencing rubbing and agitation will soften your skin and leaving you vulnerable to hazardous elements. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) the absorption of chemicals through the skin can occur without being noticed by the worker.
