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Compensatability and contact dermatitis in the canning industry
L London1, G Joubert, S I Manjra
1Food Workers' Medical Benefit Fund Clinic, Paarl, CP.
Summary
Occupational dermatitis in South Africa may be underestimated. Current compensation relies on patch tests, which showed no association with common skin conditions in a factory study, suggesting a need for system reform.
Area of Science:
- Occupational dermatology
- Public health
- Industrial hygiene
Background:
- Dermatitis prevalence in South African industry appears underestimated compared to international data.
- Current compensation for occupational dermatitis requires a positive patch test.
- High rates of dermatoses were observed in a Western Cape canning factory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of occupational skin conditions in a South African industrial setting.
- To evaluate the utility of patch testing in diagnosing occupational dermatitis.
- To advocate for reforms in the compensation system for occupational skin disorders.
Main Methods:
- A prevalence study of dermatoses was conducted at a canning factory.
- Data on occupational dermatitis, intertrigo, and chronic paronychia were collected.
- Patch test results were analyzed for association with observed dermatoses.
Main Results:
- High rates of dermatoses were found among cannery workers.
- No significant association was established between dermatitis, intertrigo, or chronic paronychia and patch-test positivity.
- Patch testing appears to have limited relevance for irritant-based occupational dermatoses.
Conclusions:
- The reliance on patch testing for compensation is questionable, as it showed no correlation with prevalent skin conditions.
- Occupational skin disorder compensation systems in South Africa require urgent reform.
- Integrated workplace-based prevention and treatment programs are recommended.