The Utility of an Occupational Contact Dermatitis Patch Test Database in the Analysis of Workplace Prevention Activities in Toronto, Canada.

BACKGROUND

Occupational skin diseases are common suggesting that there are still gaps in workplace prevention. Patch test surveillance systems provide an opportunity to collect work related information in addition to clinical information and patch test results.

OBJECTIVES

To examine 5 years of data related to workplace prevention by industry sector in a patch test surveillance database for workers with a diagnosis of occupational contact dermatitis.

METHODS

The study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of St Michael's Hospital. Information including demographics, clinical history, healthcare utilization, and workplace characteristics and prevention practices in addition to patch test results was collected from consenting patients.

RESULTS

Workers in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors were more likely to report workplace training including skin protection training, whereas those in services and construction were less likely to report training.

CONCLUSIONS

Collecting basic workplace information with patch test surveillance databases can inform the occupational health and safety system about prevention practices in the workplace and identify areas for focussed intervention.