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Occupational dermatitis causing days away from work in U.S. private industry, 1993
C A Burnett1, B D Lushniak, W McCarthy
1Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA. CAB9@CDC.GOV
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|November 17, 1998
Summary
Occupational dermatitis significantly impacts workers, causing substantial disability. This study estimates incidence and characterizes cases to guide workplace interventions for skin disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dermatology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Occupational skin disease is a major workplace disability.
- Dermatitis represents a significant portion of these occupational illnesses.
- Understanding incidence is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the incidence of occupational dermatitis leading to days away from work.
- To characterize these cases by industry, occupation, and exposure.
- To inform targeted interventions for reducing workplace skin disease.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.
- Collected descriptive data on a sample of dermatitis cases resulting in lost workdays.
- Calculated estimates for case numbers and days away from work across various sectors.
Main Results:
- Estimated 8,835 cases of occupational dermatitis in 1993, a rate of 1.12 per 10,000 workers.
- Health services reported the most cases; agricultural crops had the highest incidence rate.
- Non-construction laborers and cleaning/polishing agents were significant factors.
Conclusions:
- Occupational dermatitis has a substantial impact on worker well-being.
- Descriptive data are essential for developing effective workplace interventions.
- Targeted prevention efforts can mitigate the effects of occupational skin disease.