Prevention of Occupational Contact Dermatitis

Prevention of Occupational Contact Dermatitis
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Prevention of Occupational Contact Dermatitis
There are quite some occupational skin disorders that are known. However, contact dermatitis is the commonest occupational skin disorder mostly contacted at workplaces. Because OCD is the commonest skin disease at workplaces, it’s very crucial for health officers to be informed of this illness. Contact dermatitis is usually caused by direct body contact with a biological substance or chemical compounds that are hazardous. Otherwise, it can be caused by allergic reaction to a hazardous substance. Employers should be informed of different ways to prevent and reduce OCD at work. Although the only way to prevent OCD is by eliminating exposure of employees to hazardous compounds fully, this is mostly not effective. Therefore employers have come up with different measures to prevent this skin disorder (Mathias, 1990, P.742).
An engineering control is one of the most effective measures that can be put into place to prevent OCD. It involves eliminating the toxic substances and replacing them with substances that are non-toxic. Another way to prevent OCD is by wearing protective clothing when an employee’s work involves being in contact with compounds that are harmful. Such protective wear includes laboratory coats, boots, gloves, dust masks and boiler suits. Mostly, garments that are disposable are more preferred to ensure that one doesn’t come into contact with the irritants.

Nevertheless, this method should be practiced as a secondary measure after engineering control has been put into place. In addition, personal cleanliness and maintenance of high level of hygiene at the workplace are important when it comes to preventing OCD. This includes washing of the non-disposable garments and also cleaning our hands with smooth disinfectant. Cleaning machines and surfaces with the right sterilizer at working area reduces chances of getting OCD. Labeling items that contain the hazardous substance can ensure that people do not come into contact with such chemicals and if they do they follow the written procedure. Into the bargain, the management should come up with tools such as rotation in shifts to ensure that specific employees are not exposed to hazardous chemicals for long hence reducing chances of getting OCD. Simply, the employers should motivate the employees and make sure that they are fully informed of the dangers of working with irritants and allergens. Creating awareness of these substances at work can help to prevent employees from contacting this skin disorder (Mathias, 1990, P.744).
In conclusion, the article on Prevention of Occupational Contact Dermatitis helps to educate employees on dangers of dealing with a hazardous substance such as irritants and allergens. Further, the article provides measures that both employees and employers can put into place to prevent OCD.References
Mathias, C. T. (1990). Prevention of occupational contact dermatitis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 23(4), 742-748.