Liaison with support personnel is important in the management of workers with occupational skin disease (OSD). This study shows that there are many areas of concern regarding the knowledge and understanding of OSD in these groups. There needs to be a comprehensive education programme concerning OSD within the working community and support personnel. Dermatologists need to simplify their "language' in the reporting of OSD. Insurers need to take a more sympathetic attitude towards the partially fit worker. Rehabilitation personnel must become more familiar with OSD.