Industrial Dermatitis Claims

Updated June 2026

Industrial dermatitis is a common work‑related skin condition in England and Wales. It develops when your skin reacts to substances you handle at work, and it can quickly disrupt your ability to do your job, sleep properly, or carry out everyday tasks. But if your employer has failed to protect you from harmful exposure, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim for compensation.

We explain how the condition develops, when you may be eligible to start a personal injury claim and what evidence you need.

When Can Industrial Dermatitis Develop?

Industrial dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis caused by exposure to irritants or allergens in the workplace. It affects the skin on the hands most often, but it can appear anywhere which comes into contact with harmful substances. The condition can causes redness, itching, cracking, blistering, and sometimes long‑term sensitivity.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stated that while occupational dermatitis is particularly found in the food and catering industry, that “nationally across all industries, an estimated 84,000 have dermatitis caused or made worse by their work” affecting workers in many industry sectors.

This includes employees in manufacturing, cleaning, construction, engineering, food processing, hairdressing, healthcare, and printing. However, any job involving chemicals, oils, solvents, dusts, or wet‑work may trigger the condition.

The Two Types: Irritant Contact vs Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Industrial dermatitis falls into two categories. Here’s the difference to help you identify what caused your symptoms and whether your employer may be liable.

1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

This form develops when your skin is repeatedly exposed to substances that strip away natural oils or damage the outer layer of the skin. Irritants may include:

• Water (especially frequent hand‑washing)
• Detergents and cleaning agents
• Oils, greases, and solvents
• Cement, plaster, and dusts
• Disinfectants and sanitisers

Irritant dermatitis does not require an allergy. Anyone can develop it if the exposure is strong enough or frequent enough.

Example (anonymised): Andrew, a warehouse worker handled cardboard boxes coated in industrial dust. His employer failed to provide gloves, and over several months his hands became cracked and inflamed. A dermatologist confirmed irritant contact dermatitis caused by repeated exposure to dust and friction.

2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This form occurs when your immune system becomes sensitised to a specific substance. Once sensitised, even tiny amounts may trigger a reaction. Common workplace allergens can include:

• Nickel
• Rubber accelerators in gloves
• Hair dyes and bleaching agents
• Epoxy resins
• Preservatives in cleaning products
• Latex

It’s worth noting that allergic dermatitis may develop suddenly, even after years of exposure without symptoms.

Example (anonymised): Hairdresser, Katie developed blistering and itching after using a new brand of hair dye. Patch testing confirmed an allergy to paraphenylenediamine (PPD). Her employer had not provided protective gloves or training on allergen‑safe handling.

When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for Industrial Dermatitis?

You can pursue a personal injury claim when your dermatitis results from your employer’s negligence. UK employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations to protect workers from harmful exposure.

You may have grounds to claim if your employer failed to:

• Provide suitable protective equipment
• Carry out COSHH risk assessments
• Substitute harmful substances with safer alternatives
• Offer training on safe handling
• Maintain proper ventilation
• Enforce hygiene and safety procedures
• Monitor exposure levels
• Respond to early reports of skin irritation

The Time Limit

You usually have three years from the date you first became aware that your dermatitis was linked to your work. This is known as the “date of knowledge”.

Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim

To build a strong case, you should gather:

• Medical records and diagnosis
• Photographs of your symptoms
• A list of substances you handled
• Workplace safety documents (if available)
• Witness statements from colleagues
• Records of reporting the issue to your employer

Even if you are unsure whether your employer is at fault, an experienced personal injury lawyer could advise you whether you have a valid claim or not. Many claims proceed successfully because employers failed to follow basic COSHH requirements.

How Industrial Dermatitis May Affect Your Life and Work

Industrial dermatitis may become more than a minor irritation. It can:

• Prevent you from performing manual tasks
• Force you to take time off work
• Cause long‑term sensitivity to everyday products
• Affect your sleep due to itching or pain
• Lead to permanent skin changes

In severe cases, some workers have had to change careers entirely. Compensation aims to cover these losses, including pain, suffering, lost earnings, and future financial impact.

Example Scenarios

1. Manufacturing Worker

42 year old, Ken worked with metalworking fluids. His employer failed to maintain fluid quality or provide gloves. He developed severe dermatitis that required steroid treatment.

2. Cleaner

Debbie used strong disinfectants daily. She was not given protective gloves or training. Her hands became red, swollen, and cracked. Her GP linked the condition to chemical exposure.

3. Construction Worker

Ernie mixed cement without proper PPE. Cement is highly alkaline and a well‑known irritant. He developed chronic dermatitis and required time off work as his employer had failed to provide adequate gloves or washing facilities.

FAQs: What To Do If You Want to Claim Compensation for Industrial Dermatitis

How do I report industrial dermatitis to my employer?

Report your symptoms in writing and ask for a copy of the accident or incident record. This creates a clear timeline.

Do I need a medical diagnosis before claiming?

Yes. A GP or dermatologist must confirm your condition and its likely cause.

Can I claim if I still work for the employer?

Yes. The law protects you from being dismissed or treated unfairly for making a claim due to employer negligence.

What compensation can I receive?

You may receive compensation for pain, suffering, medical costs, lost earnings, and long‑term impact on your career.

What should I do right now?

You should:

• Seek medical advice
• Photograph your symptoms
• Keep a diary of flare‑ups
• Note all substances you handle
• Contact a specialist personal injury solicitor for guidance

How We Can Help

If you are suffering from industrial dermatitis which you believe has been caused by employer negligence or unsafe working conditions, we partner with personal injury solicitors who are highly experienced in work injury claims.

They offer a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your case, as well as No Win, No Fee agreements which means no upfront costs to worry about.

Contact us today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.