HSE is reminding companies of the importance of managing dermatitis risks, by effective risk assessments and taking adequate precautions to ensure that employees are not exposed to hazardous substances at work. The investigation found that managers failed to control the risks of exposing employees to hazardous substances, including a known skin irritant. This resulted in one employee suffering from severe dermatitis, which has had a high impact on his life. He was required to take retirement on medical grounds and his future employment prospects are extremely limited. Yet this could have been avoided if relatively simple and low cost control measure had been put into place. The company was fined £27,500 and ordered to pay costs of £10,700. The BWF provides guidance and advice on this and most health & safety issues to members. Please contact Michael Lee on 0844 209 2613.