In 2007/08, an estimated 20 000 individuals who worked in the last 12 months suffered "skin problems" which they believed to be work-related, according to the Labour Force Survey.
There were 2617 cases of occupational skin disease in 2007 reported by dermatologists and occupational physicians reporting in the THOR (EPIDERM and OPRA) network.
Of these, 1780 (68%) were contact dermatitis and 614 (23%) – most of the remainder – were skin cancers.
Statistical modelling by the University of Manchester showed statistically significant downward tends in the incidence of both contact dermatitis and all skin disease cases over the period 1996-2007 after taking account of certain factors which affect the annual estimates based on THOR.
During 2005-2007, the most common agents cited by dermatologists and occupational physicians as causes of skin disease were "soaps and cleaners", "wet work", and "rubber chemicals and materials".
The occupations with the highest estimated incidence rates in 2005-2007 according to dermatologists reporting to EPIDERM, were, "floral arrangers and florists", "hairdressers and barbers", " beauticians and related occupations", "dental nurses", and "chemical and related process operatives".
The industrial sector with the highest estimated incidence rates in 2004-2006 according to dermatologists reporting to EPIDERM, was "other service activities".
