Occupational hand eczema (HE) has continuously been the most frequently recognised occupational disease, comprising > 95% of all recognised occupational skin diseases. Irritant contact dermatitis constitutes > 70%, where wet work is the main eliciting factor. Knowledge on the dose-response relationship between wet work and HE is pivotal concerning preventive interventions, job counselling and medico-legal regulations, which is summarised in this review. New findings indicate a significant risk of having HE at an exposure level of no more than 30 minutes of wet work per day.