For those in the construction and decorating industries, your hands are your most important tools – which is why it comes as no surprise that hands are the most susceptible part of the body for workplace skin conditions, alongside the wrists and forearms.
In fact, based on reports by the Labour Force Survey and ONS, an estimated 18,000 people were working with skin problems they believed were caused or worsened by their job last year – an issue that, for many tradespeople, can feel like an unavoidable part of the role.
From long-term exposure to wet work and harsh chemicals, to cement, solvents and UV radiation, the risks are varied – and in some cases, serious. Left untreated, seemingly minor irritation can develop into chronic conditions that impact both health and livelihood.
To better understand the most common workplace skin problems affecting those in construction and decorating – and what can be done to prevent and treat them – we spoke to Dr Sadia Saeed, Physician and Medical Advisor with Welzo and Vicki Wanless, Senior Solicitor at Newcastle-based personal injury solicitors, Beecham Peacock.
The conditions below are ranked according to the types of workplace skin claims the firm most commonly sees, from construction and decorating professionals, providing a real-world snapshot of the issues that tradespeople are most frequently seeking legal help for.
1. Occupational dermatitis
“Occupational dermatitis makes up 80-90% of all skin cases, with research showing that up to 50% of workers who develop occupational dermatitis still suffer from skin problems 10 years after the initial diagnosis – even if they leave the trade entirely,” says Wanless.
“This is especially prevalent in high-risk masonry trades, where up to 43% of workers show signs of dermatitis at some point in their career. As 95.6% of occupational dermatitis cases involve the hands, workers in construction, decorating, manufacturing and nursing are especially at-risk.
“Occupational dermatitis is by far the most common skin-related work injury that we help sufferers receive compensation for and, more often than not, it’s caused by either a lack of adequate PPE, inadequate working conditions or a combination of the two.”
Saeed adds: “Most commonly, occupational dermatitis develops over time from repetitive exposures to irritants that compromise the integrity of the skin’s natural barrier function. So, the same importance given to protecting your skin by using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) applies when you protect your skin through consistent skin care.
“This includes applying a fragrance-free moisturizing lotion prior to going to work and after leaving the workplace, which will aid in maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier and prevent additional irritation.”
2. Occupational contact urticaria
“Occupational contact urticaria is an immediate allergic skin reaction that occurs after direct contact with a substance,” explains Saeed. “Unlike dermatitis, which develops gradually, occupational contact urticaria can usually be identified within minutes of the worker being exposed to the substance causing the reaction. It typically presents as raised, itchy hives, redness or swelling.”
“Occupational contact urticaria makes up 10% of all skin disease reports, with legal personal injury action nearly always coming down to an issue with employer negligence relating to improper or non-existent PPE,” adds Wanless. “In the cases we see, it’s very common for workers to describe the reaction happening almost instantly. Often, they’ve reported the reaction before, but the underlying issue hasn’t been addressed.”
“Because occupational contact urticaria occurs in response to specific substances,” says Saeed, “workers will develop patterns based on when their urticaria develops (e.g., every time they handle a certain type of product or material).”
“From a claims perspective, these cases often hinge on whether the employer carried out a proper COSHH risk assessment and provided suitable gloves or barrier protection,” Wanless continues. “Where there’s evidence that a worker repeatedly handled substances known to cause allergic reactions without adequate safeguards, it can quickly become clear that the injury could have been prevented.”
3. Skin neoplasia
“Making up 44% of all work-related skin cancer diagnoses, skin neoplasia, although rare, is a serious implication of UV radiation exposure,” explains Wanless, “This is why we occasionally see construction workers – particularly roofers and those working at height for prolonged periods – coming to us with claims linked to unnecessary sun exposure, due to a lack of proper PPE.
“Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a legal duty to protect employees from foreseeable risks – that includes excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation,” Wanless continues. “While many people associate sun damage with holidays rather than work, for outdoor trades it is an occupational hazard that must be taken seriously.”
“Exposure to direct sunlight over a period of years can be one of the biggest risks that many construction workers face, as opposed to getting burned badly in one day,” says Saaed. “The sun’s rays can cause damage that can lead to skin cancer even on cold, overcast days. Protecting your skin with sunscreen every day that you’re outside will provide lasting results, compared to only protecting your skin just on really hot or sunny days.”
“Protecting your skin involves daily routines, such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen prior to going outdoors, re-applying after lengthy work shifts, and/or whenever possible, wearing clothing that protects the exposed area from direct sunlight,” Saaed continues. “It is also very beneficial to have regular check-ups to detect any unusual skin markings, as they are most easily treated when discovered early.”
“Misdiagnosis is also a big issue amongst trade workers,” Wanless adds. “Some dismiss scaly patches, painful sores or changes in moles as minor irritation – but it’s important you get any irregularities checked, even if it’s just for peace of mind. When caught early, the chance of recovery with proper hospital treatment is much higher.”
4. Chemical burns
“Chemical burns are one of the most serious skin injuries that we encounter in the construction and decorating sectors,” explains Wanless. “Although they are less common than occupational dermatitis, the consequences can be severe, and we see a clear pattern in the claims that succeed.
“Most successful cases involve a combination of inadequate risk assessments, failure to provide suitable PPE or insufficient training on handling hazardous substances. When these safeguards are missing, and a worker is injured, liability is often clear and compensation awards can be substantial.
“That said, cases are only successful when the burn is documented promptly, treatment is sought immediately and there is evidence of employer negligence. From our experience, burns caused by wet cement, solvents, industrial cleaners or paint strippers are the injuries we most frequently see claims for. Preventable exposure, particularly where repeated or prolonged, strengthens a claim significantly.”
Have you suffered from one of these skin conditions at work? If so, you must begin to take the right steps towards recovery, as well as seek compensation if your working conditions have led to your condition.
