Skin Exposure (Wet Work / Chemicals) – Occupational Dermatology Assessment

Example tasks and roles where this assessment is typically required:

• Frequent wet work (e.g., repeated hand washing, prolonged glove wearing, regular contact with water or aqueous solutions).
• Handling of chemicals with relevant dermal exposure risk (e.g., cleaning agents, degreasers, solvents, coolants/lubricants).
• Work with sensitising substances where skin contact cannot be reliably excluded (e.g., epoxy systems, isocyanate-containing products, certain resins/adhesives).
• Electrical assembly, maintenance, or workshop tasks with repeated contact to oils/greases and abrasive contaminants (metalworking, cable pulling with lubricants).
• Use of natural rubber latex gloves in contexts where sensitisation risk is relevant.

 

Medical Examination – Checklist for the Physician

• Review of job requirements and hazard assessment (substances, exposure pathways, duration/frequency, existing skin protection measures).
• Initial short consultation (information and consent).

 

Medical and occupational history (dermatology focus):

• Previous and current skin diseases (e.g., hand eczema), atopic disposition, allergies, relevant medical history.
• Work-related symptom pattern (timing, triggers, improvement during absence, previous jobs/exposures).
• Current protective measures (glove type, skin protection products, hygiene routines) and tolerance issues.

 

Clinical skin examination:

• Inspection of hands, forearms, and other exposed areas (erythema, fissures, scaling, vesicles, signs of infection).
• Assessment of barrier damage and differential diagnosis (irritant vs allergic vs atopic patterns), within the scope of occupational medicine.

 

Targeted functional/diagnostic elements (as indicated):

• Documentation of findings (site, severity, suspected triggers).
• Referral for patch testing or specialist dermatology evaluation if allergic contact dermatitis is suspected.
• Consideration of comorbidities that may impair skin integrity or wound healing (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes), if relevant.

 

Preventive counselling and interventions:

• Workplace-specific skin protection advice (skin protection plan, appropriate cleansers, moisturisers, glove selection and change intervals).
• Education on early symptom recognition and prompt reporting (to prevent chronicity).

 

Clarification of any unclear findings (additional diagnostics if necessary).

 

Check for major limitations and need for restrictions (examples):

• Active severe dermatitis with fissures/erosions where continued exposure would likely worsen the condition.
• Suspected allergic sensitisation to essential workplace substances requiring exposure avoidance pending diagnostic clarification.

 

Final medical judgment and work-related recommendations (fit / fit with restrictions / temporary unfit until stabilised), aligned with job requirements.

Closing consultation with the employee (results, preventive measures, follow-up plan).

Issue of medical certificate / documentation according to the applicable framework.