Sam,
From a Health and Safety perspective, my colleagues and I would go with the balance of probabilities and report it as an Occupational Disease. I would say that the H&S Manager is taking a very narrow view.
Regards,
Richard.
Richard Chalkley, BSc(Hons), TechIOSH, MISTR, SIIRSM
Radiation Protection Officer and Safety Advisor
Institute for Animal Health
Compton
Newbury
Berkshire
RG20 7NN
Tel: 01635 578411
Fax: 01635 577338
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-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Williams,Charles
Sent: 07 November 2011 15:48
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] RIDDOR REPORTING
Sam,
I'm probably stating the obvious here...patch testing will only assist in determining whether the cause of the dermatitis is due to allergy....and irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type of skin problem seen due to exposure to MWF.
It may well be the case that you go along with referring the individual for patch testing so as to exclude a diagnosis of allergic dermatitis.
What is not clear from your email is whether the OHP has recommended patch testing and also whether the advice letter to the company has stated that they should report under RIDDOR. (if not you could speak further with the OHP)
Hope this is of help.
Charles
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sam Westgate
Sent: 07 November 2011 14:24
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] RIDDOR REPORTING
Dear All,
I am quite new to occupational health and would therefore appreciate any guidance on the following:
I am currently debating with the company’s Health & Safety Manager on RIDDOR reporting in relation to occupational dermatitis (water based metal working fluids are used in the manufacturing process).
The H&S Manager is adamant that only where an individual has been patch tested and a definitive investigation has determined that the cause of their dermatitis is an agent used in their workplace, is it necessary to report under RIDDOR. However, from my research I understand that where an employee works in a job where their dermatitis is likely to have an occupational origin and a diagnosis has been made by a doctor in writing, then it may be reportable under RIDDOR.
The company policy states that only the H&S Manager may RIDDOR report as the company's designated representative.
All advice will be gratefully received.
Regards,
Sam Westgate
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