Independent Medical Assessment for Dermatitis
Get in touchAt Independent Medical Assessment, we provide impartial evaluations for employees suffering from, or at risk of, occupational dermatitis .
Dermatitis is one of the most common workplace health problems, often triggered by contact with irritants such as detergents, solvents, oils, cement, and even prolonged glove use.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002), employers are required to provide health surveillance where workers are regularly exposed to substances that may cause skin conditions.
Independent medical assessments ensure unbiased reporting, supporting fairness in employment, insurance, and legal cases.
Request a free consultation and schedule assessments for dermatitis today.
Why Are Independent Medical Assessments Needed for Dermatitis?
Work-related dermatitis can begin with mild redness or dryness but may develop into painful, long-term skin conditions.
An independent assessment provides a neutral opinion on whether the condition is related to workplace exposure.
This impartiality is particularly valuable in disputes, ill-health retirement cases, or insurance claims.
It ensures that decisions are based on unbiased clinical evidence.
What Does a Dermatitis Medical Assessment Involve?
Our dermatitis assessment includes a review of medical and occupational history, alongside a physical skin examination.
Our assessors may ask about symptom patterns, PPE use, and exposure to specific workplace substances.
Where needed, photographs or patch testing may be recommended for further investigation.
A clear, independent report is then provided, outlining fitness for work and any restrictions required.
Who Requires Independent Medical Assessments for Dermatitis?
Medical assessments for dermatitis are particularly relevant for employees in high-risk industries such as healthcare, cleaning, catering, hairdressing, construction, and engineering.
Anyone exposed to soaps, chemicals, oils, or allergens at work may require regular surveillance.
Independent assessments are most valuable where there is uncertainty or dispute about whether a condition is work-related.
At Independent Medical Assessments, we provide fair and transparent reporting for employers, insurers, and solicitors.
How Often Should Dermatitis Medical Assessments Be Carried Out?
In high-risk environments, routine skin checks should be carried out every 3 to 6 months, while annual assessments may be suitable for lower-risk roles.
Independent assessments may also be arranged as one-off evaluations in cases of dispute or when evidence is needed for claims.
Baseline assessments are recommended before employees start in skin-hazard roles.
Regular monitoring ensures early detection and fair evaluation of occupational causes.
What Are the Benefits of Independent Medical Assessments for Dermatitis ?
Independent medical assessments provide neutrality and reassurance.
Key benefits include:
Ensure compliance with COSHH requirements.
Provide impartial evidence in employment, legal, and insurance cases.
Detect early signs of occupational dermatitis.
Support fair recommendations on workplace restrictions or adjustments.
Protect both employee wellbeing and employer responsibilities.
How Much Do Independent Dermatitis Assessments Cost?
The cost of independent dermatitis assessments is from £100 to £250 per case.
The cost varies depending on the complexity of the case and the level of reporting required.
Legal or insurance-related assessments that require detailed reports may cost more.
We provide transparent, tailored quotes for each situation.
Are Independent Dermatitis Medical Assessments Confidential?
Confidentiality is guaranteed during our medical assessments.
Employers and insurers only receive a summary confirming whether the employee is fit, fit with restrictions, or unfit for certain duties.
Detailed medical findings remain private between the individual and the assessor.
This protects employee privacy while allowing organisations to act fairly and responsibly.
What Symptoms Should Employees Monitor Between Assessments?
Employees should be aware of early signs such as redness, itching, dryness, or cracking of the skin, particularly on the hands and forearms.
More advanced symptoms may include blistering, swelling, or painful sores.
Even mild changes should not be ignored, as dermatitis can progress quickly with continued exposure.
Prompt dermatitis reporting allows for early intervention and reduces the risk of chronic conditions.
What Happens If an Employee Is Found Unfit for Work Due to Dermatitis?
If an independent assessment concludes that an employee is unfit, they must be removed from further exposure to the irritant or allergen.
The report may recommend redeployment, modified duties, or temporary leave while the condition improves.
Referral to a dermatologist or GP may also be advised for specialist treatment.
The impartial report provides defensible evidence for employers in employment or insurance contexts.
What Records Must Employers Keep for Dermatitis Surveillance?
Employers must maintain accurate health records for all staff undergoing skin surveillance.
These should include assessment dates, outcomes, restrictions, and any workplace adjustments made.
Records must be retained for at least 40 years, since occupational skin conditions may have long-term implications.
Proper record-keeping demonstrates compliance and protects both employers and employees in case of future claims.
Can Employees Refuse a Dermatitis Medical Assessment?
Participation requires employee consent.
Under COSHH, if a role involves significant skin hazard exposure, health surveillance is mandatory.
If an employee refuses, they may not legally be able to continue in that role.
Employers should explain that assessments are impartial, confidential, and designed to protect the worker’s health.
How Do Independent Medical Assessments Differ from Routine Occupational Health Skin Checks?
Routine occupational health checks are usually arranged by an employer’s chosen provider as part of ongoing COSHH compliance.
Independent medical assessments are carried out by impartial specialists with no ties to the employer.
They are particularly valuable in disputes, ill-health retirement claims, or insurance cases.
We ensure decisions are unbiased, transparent, and based solely on clinical evidence.
Request a Free Quote Today
At Independent Medical Assessment , we provide impartial skin health evaluations that protect employees and support fair, evidence-based decision-making in employment, legal, and insurance cases.
Contact Independent Medical Assessment today to arrange dermatitis medical assessments for your workforce.
Other Services We Offer
At Medical Surveillance, we offer a wide range of services; some of these include:
Independent Medical Assessment for Lead Exposure
Independent Medical Assessment for Skin Checks
Independent Medical Assessment for Asbestos
Independent Medical Assessment for Bakery Workers
Independent Medical Assessment for Benzene
Independent Medical Assessment for Radiation Workers
Independent Medical Assessment for Silica Exposure
Independent Medical Assessment for Formaldehyde
Independent Medical Assessment for COSHH
Independent Medical Assessment for Mental Health