A large study conducted by a major international university has found that the number of hairdressers that file for workers’ compensation due to one specific illness is far lower than the numbers that are actually diagnosed. In fact, the study found that hairdressers are less likely to file a workers’ compensation claim for the illness in all of the countries reviewed for the recent study. Many of those hairdressers, in Colorado and abroad, may be reticent to file the claim for fear of job loss or other penalties from an employer.
Hairdressers in Colorado and across the world appear to suffer from contact dermatitis due to their constant contact with water and chemicals. In fact, the study suggests that many workers in jobs that require frequent hand-washing or other wet contact may also suffer from the same injury. These workers, should they file a claim, may be able to seek assistance from the workers’ compensation program for the injuries suffered while on the job.
The workers’ compensation program is intended to assist those who have been injured or have lost their lives while in the course of their employment. When this happens to an individual in our state, they may make a claim that can help to provide income while the person recovers from their injury. In cases where an individual dies as a result of an injury received at work, the surviving family may also be able to seek a claim.
In the case of hairdressers, there may be instances in which the individual suffering from contact dermatitis can make a claim to workers’ compensation. When this occurs, the insurance program will likely review the injuries suffered before awarding benefits to the individual. Once approved, the person who finds that they have been injured at work may discover that the help that they needed was available.
Source: medicalxpress.com, “Hairdressers reluctant to claim workers comp, study finds,” Dec. 12, 2012