Introduction
As a worker exposed to latex products, it's vital to understand the risks associated with latex allergy and the steps to manage these risks. This knowledge is not only essential for your health and safety but also to secure potential compensation in case of workplace accidents or injuries related to latex exposure.
What Is Latex?
Latex, or natural rubber latex, is derived from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. It's a versatile material used to make various products, including disposable latex gloves, designed to protect workers from infection. These gloves are commonly used in a range of industries.
Industries Where Latex Gloves Are Commonly Used:
- Healthcare and residential care
- Veterinary clinics
- Emergency services
- Funeral industry
- Cleaning services
- Beauty and hairdressing
- Early childhood education and care
- Body piercing
- Tattooing
- Law enforcement
- Hospitality
Understanding the Risks of Latex Allergy
Latex products can cause latex allergy, which comes in three distinct forms:
1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis
- A non-allergic skin rash appearing at areas in contact with latex products.
- Caused by moisture under the gloves, inadequate hand drying, and sweating.
- May result from not rinsing off detergent and soap or wearing latex gloves when handling certain chemicals.
- Reversible condition.
2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- An allergic skin rash occurring up to 48 hours after latex exposure.
- Also known as type IV or delayed hypersensitivity reaction.
- The rash spreads if the skin is repeatedly exposed to latex.
- Caused when the skin becomes allergic to chemicals in latex products.
3. Immediate Allergic Reaction
- The least common but most dangerous form of latex allergy.
- Also known as type 1 or immediate hypersensitivity reaction.
- Occurs within minutes to an hour after exposure.
- Symptoms range from local reactions (e.g., hives, itching) to widespread reactions (e.g., swelling, wheezing) and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Diagnosing Latex Allergy
A doctor can diagnose latex allergy through medical history, physical examination, and allergy testing such as skin prick testing and blood tests.
How to Manage the Risks
To protect your health and ensure your eligibility for future compensation, you need to collaborate with management and follow specific risk management procedures.
Responsibilities as a Worker
1. Comply with Work Health and Safety Act 2011:
- Take reasonable care for your health and safety and that of your colleagues.
- Follow risk control measures and emergency procedures.
- Adhere to the training and information provided.
Responsibilities for Businesses
2. Conduct a Four-Step Risk Management Process:
- Employers or Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) should manage health and safety risks as per the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
- Follow these four steps:
Step 1: Identify the Hazard
Identify latex exposure risks by considering products in the workplace containing latex and tasks that expose workers to latex. Also, consider whether others, such as patients or children, might be exposed to latex.
Step 2: Assess the Risk
Use risk assessment tools as per the How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice 2021. Determine the nature of tasks, the necessity of latex gloves, and the duration of contact.
Step 3: Control the Risk
- The best way to control latex allergy is to eliminate latex products from tasks without infection risks.
- If elimination isn't possible, use higher-order control measures.
- Develop and implement latex policies, procedures, and training.
- Monitor workers' health for signs of latex allergy.
- Identify patients with latex allergy in healthcare settings.
- Provide cotton glove liners for non-healthcare settings if sweat contributes to latex allergy.
- Ensure proper hand hygiene, especially after glove removal.
- Provide authorized personnel with emergency medication for anaphylaxis.
Step 4: Review Risk Controls
Review your control measures regularly to ensure they remain effective.
Conclusion
Your health and safety in workplaces with latex exposure are paramount. By understanding and managing the risks, you not only protect your health but also safeguard your potential eligibility for compensation in case of workplace accidents or injuries related to latex exposure. Collaborative efforts between workers and management are key to creating a safe work environment.