Overseas surveillance schemes for occupational skin disease, as well as several large epidemiological surveys, have consistently shown that occupational dermatitis is frequently caused by exposure to soaps, detergents and cleaners, and wet work. Workers in the cleaning industry therefore have a particularly high risk of occupational hand dermatitis due to the combination of wet work and exposure to irritant chemicals. Frequent wet work and exposure to chemicals in cleaning agents result in epidermal barrier disruption allowing penetration of irritants which may cause occupational dermatitis. Atopic (or allergic) subjects are believed to be more susceptible. Depending on the definition of occupational dermatitis, prevalence estimates in overseas studies range from 12-43%. However, there have been no studies to address the prevalence and risk factors of occupational dermatitis in cleaners in New Zealand. It is therefore highly relevant to study these issues in the New Zealand cleaning industry, particularly since more than 30,000 New Zealand workers are employed in this industry.