Occupational dermatitis causing days away from work in U.S. private industry, 1993

Abstract

Background: Occupational skin disease is an important cause of disability in the workplace. The aim of this report is to estimate the incidence of occupational dermatitis cases that causes days away from work and to characterize the cases.

Methods: The Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses from the Bureau of Labor Statistics collects employer reports on work-related dermatitis. Descriptive data are collected on a sample of the cases that result in days away from work. Estimates of the number of cases and days away from work were calculated by industry, occupation, and exposure source.

Results: In 1993, there were an estimated 8,835 cases of occupational dermatitis, a rate of 1.12/10,000 workers. The largest number of cases was in health services, while the highest rate was in agricultural crops. The occupation with the largest number of cases was non-construction laborers. Cleaning/polishing agents caused the largest number of cases. Calcium hydroxide and oxides caused a median of nine days away from work.

Discussion/conclusions: The survey data show that the effect of occupational dermatitis is substantial in the lives of workers. These descriptive data should be used to target interventions.