Skin-specific training experience of workers assessed for contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a common and preventable work-related disease. Skin-specific training may be effective for preventing occupational contact dermatitis, but little information is available regarding actual workplace training and its effectiveness.

To describe workplace skin-specific training among workers with suspected contact dermatitis.

Patch test patients being assessed for suspected contact dermatitis at an occupational health clinic in Toronto, Canada, completed a questionnaire on training experiences, workplace characteristics, exposures and skin protection practices.

Of 175 patients approached, 122 (71%) workers completed questionnaires. Many (80%) had received general occupational health and safety and hazardous materials training (76%). Fewer (39%) received skin-specific training. Of those with work-related contact dermatitis, 52% did not receive skin-specific training. Skin-specific training was commonly provided by health and safety professionals or supervisors using video, classroom and online techniques. Content included glove use, exposure avoidance and hand washing information. Workers that received skin-specific training found it memorable (87%), useful (85%) and common sense in nature (100%).

This study indicates gaps in workplace training on skin disease prevention for workers with contact dermatitis. Workers perceived skin-specific training to be useful. Understanding worker training experiences is important to prevention programme development and reducing work-related skin disease.