Occupational dermatitis can be caused by physical, biological, or plant agents. It occurs when workers are exposed to primary irritants like acids, alkalis, and solvents in sufficient concentration and duration, or when they become sensitized to certain substances. Proper preventative measures include pre-employment screening, protective equipment, good personal hygiene like frequent washing, and periodic medical inspections to detect and treat dermatitis early.

1. Occupational
dermatitis

2. Causes
• Physical- heat, cold, moisture, friction,
pressure, x-rays and other rays.
• Biological-living agents such as- bacteria,
viruses, fungi and other parasites.
• Plants products- leaves, vegetable,
fruits, flowers, vegetable dust ,etc

4. Agents
1. Primary irritants
2. Sensitizing substance
• Primary irritants such as acid, alkalies,
solvents, dyes,etc .
• Primary irritants cause dermatitis when
workers are exposed in sufficient
concentration for longer duration of time.

5. • Allergic dermatitis occurs in small percentage
of cases due to sensitization of skin.

8. Prevention
Occupational dermatitis is largely
preventable if proper control measures are
adopted on time:
1. PRE-SELECTION- the worker should
be medically examined before employment
and those with established or suspected
dermatitis or who have known
predisposition of skin hazards should be
kept away from such jobs.

9. 2. PROTECTION- The worker should be
given adequate protection against direct
contact by protective clothing, long leather
gloves, aprons, boots.
- Protective clothes should be frequently
washed and kept clean.

10. 3. PERSONAL HYGIENE- There should
be available a plentiful supply of warm
water, soap, and towels.
- Adequate washing facilities in industry
are a statutory obligation under the
factories act.

11. 4. PERIODIC INSPECTION- There
should be a periodic medical check up all
the workers for early detection and
treatment of occupational dermatitis.
- The worker should be educated to report
any skin irritation no matter how mild or
insignificant.