Workplace prevention activities experienced by workers with contact dermatitis

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	Title	Workplace prevention activities experienced by workers with contact dermatitis
	Year	2005
CREOD Investigators		Irena Kudla, Michael Sidiropoulos, Chris Feng, Sharon Switzer-McIntyre, Linn Holness
CREOD Research Program		Occupational Skin Disease
Research Theme		Prevention
Funder		Unfunded
Product Type		Student Research project – clinical
Background		The scientific literature contains few references describing the prevention practices in place for workers who develop work-related contact dermatitis (WRCD).
Study Focus (Research Question/Goals/ Methods)		We conducted a needs assessment pilot study to identify some common characteristics of workplaces in which workers develop CD. A survey was developed by the clinic team at the Occupational Disease Specialty Program at St. Michael’s Hospital (Toronto), and administered to 17 patients/workers who: (1) had a positive diagnosis of CD, and (2) were employed but stopped work because of complications related to their skin disease. People without a single identifiable workplace but who worked at multiple sites were not included in the study, in order to localize causes to a specific workplace.
Key Findings		Worker training 75% reported WHMIS training (not specific to skin hazards) and having access to MSDS. Worker exposures More than three-quarters reported exposure to: Metals Oils and Lubricants Solvents Mechanical Irritation Metalworking Fluids Corrosives (Acids/Alkalis) About half reported exposure to: Wet Work Glues/Adhesives/Sealants Heat Epoxy Compounds Workplace environment About two-thirds reported that skin and breathing problems were common at their workplace. About one-quarter reported that their workplace conducted assessments for skin hazards. About 10% reported that there were skin protection programs in their workplace. Accident and injury experience in the workplace About half reported: Incident reports were routinely filled out. Routine reviews were conducted by the Joint Health & Safety Committee on injury/illness statistics. Modified work was available for workers with skin problems. Preventative strategies in the workplace About three-quarters reported that their employers provided: Gloves Safety glasses About two-thirds reported: Cleanser Goggles About half reported: Face shield Coveralls About one-quarter reported: Moisturizer Barrier cream Apron plastic/vinyl Cloth apron Available health resources: About three-quarters reported available and adequate washing facilities. About one-quarter reported access to an occupational nurse/physician in the workplace, and pre-placement medical skin examinations.
Implications for Health/Labour Policy and Practice		Our findings will be used to refine the OD Prevention Audit tool, which assists workplace parties and their partners in assessing potential skin exposure hazards in Ontario workplaces, and developing targeted CD prevention strategies.
Publication Information		Publications Kudla I. Prevention of occupational contact dermatitis: what is really happening? Contact Dermatitis 2006;55(supp 1):46. Kudla I, Sidiropoulos M, Holness DL. A decade of progress for research but what about the shop floor experience – an Ontario snapshot. Dermatitis 2011;22:300-301. Presentations Kudla I, Sidiropoulos M, Feng C, Switzer-McIntyre S, Holness DL. Prevention of occupational contact dermatitis: what is really happening? European Society of Contact Dermatitis Annual Meeting, Berlin, September 2006. Kudla I, Sidiropoulos M, Holness DL. A decade of progress for research but what about the shop floor experience – an Ontario snapshot. OEESC 2011, Toronto, June 2011.