Labour Research November 2007

Health & Safety Matters

Latex allergy payout

A dental nurse who had to retire after contracting occupational dermatitis has received £200,000 damages from her former employer, the Central Manchester Primary Care Trust.

The nurse’s case was backed by UNISON public services union. Branch secretary Caroline Bedale commented: “This case demonstrates the critical importance of all employers having proper policies, not only to protect staff from developing latex allergy, but also for the safe handling of patients with known or suspected latex allergy.”