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#1 Posted : 13 March 2007 14:35:00(UTC)
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Posted By Smiff
It has been brought to my attention that one of our chaps is off sick this week due to an alergic reaction to something that touched his skin on Friday. I can't get hold of him to get any further details, but we were unaware of any allergies and he has done the same type of work for a couple of years without incident. I guess this comes under RIDDOR, anything else I should be aware of?
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#2 Posted : 13 March 2007 14:45:00(UTC)
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Posted By Martin C
If the substance has not caused a reaction in the past there may be something else involved. Is the worker taking medication that he has not used before. Is there something else in the environment that is combining with existing substances to cause the reaction. Changing toiletries can have an effect. Soap or shower gels may make skin sensitive to other chemicals if they remove more or less natural skin oils than other brands.
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#3 Posted : 13 March 2007 15:02:00(UTC)
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Posted By Smiff
Could I assess this, assuming I can get hold of him, or do I need a letter from his GP?

Also, on the RIDDOR thing, do I report and then withdraw the report if we assess it's not occupational, or wait until I have more information?

I've been dealing with accidents and RIDDOR for years, but this one is not clear cut!
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#4 Posted : 13 March 2007 15:08:00(UTC)
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Dermatitis must be confirmed by a doctor before it must be reported. Was the alleged reaction brought on by any of the substances listed in Schedule 3 of RIDDOR?

Paul
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#5 Posted : 13 March 2007 15:58:00(UTC)
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Posted By Phil D
A chap where I work took it upon himself to clean his desk with a well known surface cleaning wipe. He suffered a bad allergic reaction, and was off work for a few days. I called RIDDOR for the same reason you are asking, and they told me that an allergic reaction is one of the only non-reportables, because you cannot protect against it. So in my case I did not need to.

I'd be interested to hear different stories.
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#6 Posted : 13 March 2007 16:02:00(UTC)
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Posted By Sally
So would the same apply to someone who had an asthma attack which she thinks was due to an evostick type glue being used by the plumber?
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#7 Posted : 13 March 2007 16:05:00(UTC)
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Posted By Smiff
I'll keep you posted as the facts come to light - all my information is secondhand at the moment. Your man "took it upon himself" but if we know chemicals are in the workplace and the guy is doing his job surely we should risk assess and introduce control measures against this? I ask everyone at induction if they have alergies, only one person has ever said "yes".
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