I was just wondering if anyone had any statistics or articles on 'Take Home Exposure' resulting from staff wearing home clothing that had become contaminated. I have found some OSHA articles and also Asbestos related cases.

Any information would be appreciated

Hi Joe,

Not sure of where you are going with this but an interesting case springs to mind !

McGhee v NCB 1972

James McGhee was employed to clean out brick kilns and developed  dermatitis from the accumulation of coal dust on his skin. Because there were no shower facilities at his workplace, he would cycle home each day, increasing the risk he would contract dermatitis. Had his employer provided shower facilities, the coal dust could have been washed off before cycling, reducing the risk of contracting dermatitis. Due to the limits of scientific knowledge, it was impossible to rule out the possibility that he hadn't contracted dermatitis during the non-wrongful exposure to brick dust while working in the kiln.

He sued his employer for negligence for breaching its duty to provide proper washing facilities. The issue before the House of Lords was whether the failure to provide the washing facilities had caused the rash.

Decision 

The House of Lords held that the risk of harm had been materially increased by the prolonged exposure to the dust. Lord Reid stated:

"The medical evidence is to the effect that the fact that the man had to cycle home caked with grime and sweat added materially to the risk"

The material increase in risk was treated as equivalent to a material contribution to damage. The implication of the case was significant as it meant that a claimant need not demonstrate that the defendant's actions were the "but for" cause of the injury, but instead that the defendant's actions materially increased the risk of injury, and thus damage, to the claimant.

Quite a famous case as it happens.

Hope it helps your enquiry

Regards

Mike

​​​​​​​PS Borrowed from Wiki where other cases are referred to

Perspective would assist a more informed response:

What contaminant (dust, grease, solvents, glues, fibres)?

Current arrangements (disposables / workwear / laundry service / nothing)?

Changing facilities - with personal locker, dirties locker in same / different room 

Withdrawal of employer provision (... laundry / workwear / disposable issue reduction)?

Thank you all for your responses, the question is purely aimed from a research point of view hence no specifics. I think generally there is a lack of understanding of wearing potentially contaminated work clothing home, the risk being to that of the workers family either from a cumulative exposure or one off.

While in theideal world employers provide adequate provision  under The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations, I am sure we have all seen examples of workers travelling home in dirty work wear. I am keen to say that I am referring to work wear and not PPE. For example construction workers that commonly wear their own clothing to and from work and may be involved in activities such as concrete cutting who may expose their families to Silica over a period of time.

Again this is a general question looking at others experiences and views on the subject and I appreciate your comments.

Not sure if you are just interested in construction. It has always bothered me that nurses etc wear their green / blue work wear to and from work. When you visit a hospital ward you are to cleanse your hands, but ok for the nurse to wear the cloths they work in, on the bus to work. It is probably fine, but still bothers me a bit as it seems wrong.

Chris