Occupational disease
Occupational seborrheic dermatitis
Apr
Workers in the fields of mechanics, machinery repair, equipment, and engines, etc., are frequently exposed to oils and greases, leading to the appearance of oily bumps on the skin, known as oil nodules.
1. What is Occupational Oil Nodule Disease?
Occupational oil nodule disease is an inflammation of hair follicles caused by frequent contact with oils and dirty greases during work.
All oil and grease products such as fuel oil, kerosene, lubricating oil, engine greases, paraffin waxes, aromatic oils, benzene, etc., are agents that cause oil nodules, skin darkening, and strong skin irritation.
2. Occupations at Risk of Developing Oil Nodule Disease
Common occupations and sources of exposure:
- Mechanical engineering, machinery repair, equipment and vehicle engine maintenance, industrial machinery, industrial cleaning, tank and reservoir cleaning, etc.
- Other jobs with direct contact with oils and dirty greases.
3. Mechanism and Causes of Occupational Oil Nodule Disease
Oils and greases contain compounds sensitive to skin, such as Mercaptans and compounds containing Lead, Cadmium, Barium, Lithium, etc. These substances penetrate the skin, altering its normal fat layer, disrupting keratinization, causing thickening, and blocking follicles, leading to inflammation of sebaceous glands.
Additionally, metal dust particles from machinery can cause micro-injuries to the follicular ducts, possibly leading to blockages. Daily cleaning cannot completely remove residues, leaving oils mixed with dirt, secretions, and dead skin cells in the pores. These harden and form black nodules on the skin. The risk increases when workers are exposed to dirty or recycled oils.
Discover the Occupational Oil Nodule Risk Assessment Tool, specialized for oil nodule disease. This tool evaluates risks, provides prevention measures, and helps workers and managers better understand and manage workplace hazards. Using multidimensional data and advanced algorithms, it is a reliable source for healthcare and occupational safety professionals, aiming to protect workers’ health and maintain a safe work environment.
4. Symptoms and Effects of Occupational Oil Nodule Disease
Clinical manifestations:
- General symptoms: fatigue, headache, poor sleep, reduced appetite, decreased memory.
- Skin areas in direct contact with oils and greases:
- Broken or fallen hair, sometimes curling in the follicles.
- Black nodules at hair roots, the size of millet or rice grains, with a core and greasy odor.
- Keratinized oil grains when pressed, small, hard, dark, with oily smell.
- Dry, flaky skin, thickened with a lichen-like appearance.
- Skin darkening.
Oil nodule disease appears in three forms: simple oil nodules, oil nodules with folliculitis/allergy, and oil nodules with folliculitis/allergy and skin darkening.
- In simple oil nodule form, nodules appear sparsely on the finger backs or hand edges, a mild stage rarely observed.
- The disease is more common in the other two forms, with dense nodules, folliculitis, allergic reactions, itching, red and thick skin, and impaired skin physiology, including reduced alkalinity neutralization.
5. Protective Equipment to Prevent Occupational Oil Nodule Disease
Protective equipment is essential to prevent oil nodule disease. Key items include:
- Protective clothing to prevent direct contact with oils and dirt.
- Protective gloves to reduce direct contact and safeguard hands.
- Protective goggles to shield eyes from oils, grease, and dust.
- Masks to limit exposure to harmful substances.
- Safety helmets.
Proper and regular use of protective equipment is crucial for effectiveness.
6. Compensation for Workers with Occupational Oil Nodule Disease
According to Vietnamese law, affected workers are entitled to:
- Health insurance covering treatment and healthcare costs.
- Social insurance benefits according to the Social Insurance Law.
- Employer liability for compensation if the disease results from unsafe working conditions.
- Support for retraining or finding suitable jobs if workers cannot return to previous roles.
Workers must meet eligibility requirements and comply with legal regulations to receive benefits.
7. How to Prevent Occupational Oil Nodule Disease
Preventive measures include:
- Avoid or limit exposure to risk factors (oils, greases).
- Install ventilation and extraction systems.
- Provide and properly use protective equipment, especially gloves and clothing.
- Regularly wash and bathe with soap immediately after work; never clean hands/feet with gasoline.
- Periodic health checkups for early detection and treatment.
8. Employer Responsibility in Preventing Occupational Oil Nodule Disease
Employer responsibilities include:
- Provide protective equipment (clothing, gloves, masks, goggles) and training on proper usage.
- Provide information on workplace hazards and prevention measures.
- Maintain a clean, dry, and ventilated workplace; safely store and transport harmful agents.
- Conduct regular health checkups for early detection and treatment.
- Provide training on occupational health and safety and update on legal regulations.
- Conduct occupational environment monitoring and report results periodically to improve the work environment.
9. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality throughout Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists and modern equipment, accuracy and reliability are ensured.
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The center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues, focusing on customer satisfaction and providing optimal solutions.
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10. Occupational Environment Monitoring Pricing
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