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Work outcome in workers with occupational skin disease
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Most workers with occupational skin disease (OSD) remain employed but often change jobs due to their condition. Many seek workers' compensation, with older workers and women experiencing different employment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Occupational skin disease (OSD) significantly impacts worker employment and quality of life.
- Understanding long-term employment outcomes is crucial for effective OSD management and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the employment status and work-related outcomes of individuals diagnosed with OSD at least two years post-diagnosis.
- To identify factors influencing employment, job changes, and workers' compensation claims among OSD patients.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up study of 230 workers with a diagnosis of OSD.
- Data collected on employment status, job changes, time lost from work, and workers' compensation claims.
- Analysis of demographic factors (age, gender) and their correlation with outcomes.
Main Results:
- 78% of workers were employed 2+ years post-diagnosis; 57% changed jobs due to OSD.
- 35% lost at least one month of work; 43% applied for workers' compensation, with 87% success rate.
- Older workers were more likely to be unemployed and claim compensation; women lost less work time.
Conclusions:
- Job modification is common for OSD patients, often leading to improved dermatitis but with increased work absence and compensation claims.
- Demographic factors influence employment trajectories and compensation seeking in OSD.
- Long-term follow-up reveals persistent employment challenges and the importance of workers' compensation for OSD management.