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Occupational contact dermatitis I: incidence and return to work pressures
1University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Summary
Occupational skin disease (OSD) rates initially declined after 1970 due to workplace improvements but later fluctuated due to reporting changes. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing now have the highest OSD incidence.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 aimed to improve workplace safety and prevent occupational skin disease (OSD).
- Analysis of OSHA-recorded OSD shows a significant decline from 1974-1983, followed by a resurgence and subsequent decrease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in occupational skin disease (OSD) incidence reported to OSHA since 1970.
- To discuss potential explanations for observed OSD trends and their implications for workplace management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of OSHA recordable skin disease data from 1974 to 1999.
- Comparison of OSD incidence rates across different industrial sectors.
Main Results:
- OSD incidence declined by half between 1974 and 1983, with a later resurgence and decline.
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors now report the highest OSD incidence rates, surpassing manufacturing.
- Recorded OSD incidence in 1999 was 0.49 per 1,000 workers, likely underrepresenting the true prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Observed OSD trends may be influenced by changes in workplace conditions, reporting behaviors, and workers' compensation policies.
- The shift towards modified duty positions highlights the need for effective OSD management strategies in occupational medicine.