As a catering worker, what are the risks?

The food and catering industry accounts for 10% of all cases of occupational dermatitis. In food preparation and catering, it is usually the hands and forearms that are most affected. How quickly the condition develops can depend on the strength or potency of the substance, how long and how often it touches the skin. Sometimes it can be caused by a combination of things. For example, using detergents in hot water a lot of the time.

The main causes of occupational dermatitis for catering and food industry workers are:

• Water, soaps and detergents.
• Chemicals and cleaners.
• Foods, including sugar, flour, citrus fruits and their peel.
• Fish and seafoods.
• Spices, herbs and seasonings.
• Meat and poultry.