Support in the Workplace

Information and advice for a parent or carer of a young adult living with allergy.

Parent of an 18 to 25 year old

Creating a working environment where employees can safely do their jobs is part of an employer’s Duty of Care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Having an allergic condition that is severe or life threatening may also mean you can be protected under the Equality Act 2010, as it could be classed as a disability.

An employer is required by law to take measures to prevent physical and mental ill health in their workers that are caused by workplace activities. They also have a duty to protect their workers by removing or reducing risks – such as allergens – in the workplace. A severe allergic reaction in the workplace may need to be reported under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) and can place a legal responsibility on the employer.

For those living with allergic conditions, this could mean employers may be responsible for:

  • Identifying and implementing reasonable adjustments if an allergy is classified as a disability. This might include: relocating an employee’s workstation; looking for an alternative role; providing specific equipment or materials so an employee can safely perform their role; a policy to help prevent contamination or triggers in relation to an allergy.
  • Carrying out a workplace risk assessment and developing an allergy management plan to help support employees with allergies.
  • Ensuring employees are not treated less favourably in the workplace because of their allergies. This includes any form of discrimination or harassment. Ensuring where applicable and practicable, the workplace is clean, tidy with regular vacuuming and damp dusting. The area should be well ventilated, with adequate heating, and with air conditioning, extractor fans and dehumidifiers in working order.
  • Providing access to occupational health services, if available, for employees with severe allergies affected by their workplace environment.

Adjustments for Employees with Allergies

Individuals with skin allergies – what to consider:

The location of your workspace is important, as being seated in/near direct heat or cold sources such as a window or radiator can aggravate skin conditions. It is reasonable to request to a workstation where this isn’t the case.

Cleansing products, such as industrial cleansers, can be an irritant to the skin. If it is not possible to avoid using them altogether, you may need gloves or other barrier protection/other special measures to protect your skin. Alternatives to industrial cleansers are available and you may request this from your employer, but this may require a referral to occupational health for a more thorough assessment.

Latex allergy: Employers should ensure that all staff, including cleaners, valets, mechanics etc., do not use latex gloves when carrying out tasks. This is especially important if they are handling any of your personal belongings or any objects with which you may come into direct contact.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

There are many different types of eczema, and atopic eczema is one of the most common. ‘Atopic’ means it runs in families and/or affects those who already have other types of allergies. An atopic person is likely to have more than one allergic condition, such as eczema, asthma, hay fever or food allergy.

Living with Eczema: Patient Resource Videos

Living with Eczema: Patient Resource Videos

The following videos have been developed by Allergy UK to help you understand more about atopic eczema, emollient therapies, steroid treatments and how they can help in controlling the symptoms of eczema in both adults and children.

Urticaria (Hives) and Other Skin Allergy

Urticaria (Hives) and Other Skin Allergy

Urticaria is also known as ‘nettle rash’ or ‘hives’. This condition consists of wheals – spots or patches of raised red or white skin – each of which usually clears away in a few hours to be replaced by other fresh wheals. Urticaria is very common and affects one in five people at some point in their lives.

Individuals with respiratory allergies – what to consider:

A risk assessment of the workplace may need to be carried out, especially if the allergens are present and if the allergens can trigger or affect the management of asthma.  Examples of allergens commonly found in workplace can include flour dust in a bakery, animal dander, saliva and urine, pollen, house dust mite etc. If your workplace is indoors, it may be helpful to suggest that windows or doors remain closed, especially during peak pollen or mould seasons.

Another potential risk to people living with respiratory allergies such as asthma and hay fever can be the use of certain cleaning products and air fresheners. These products are often heavily scented as well as containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which can trigger allergic reactions. You can request your employer looks for chemical free or allergy friendly products with no VOCs, this is also better for the environment.

Measures to reduce allergen exposure in the workplace;

Dust mite allergy: You can request that areas with carpets, rugs and soft furnishings are cleaned often and work areas are dusted with a microfibre cloth.

Mould allergy: Plants can harbour mould in the soil. Plants should be well cared for, with leaves kept clean and soil mould free.

Pet allergy: Pet hair and pollen is often carried on clothing. So where possible employers should encourage everyone to hang coats away from workstations, ideally in a cupboard or separate closed area.

House Dust Mite Allergy

House Dust Mite Allergy

House dust mite allergy is very common and associated with asthma, eczema and perennial allergic rhinitis. Mites are found in carpets, soft furnishing and clothing. Measures can be taken to avoid house dust mite, but it is not possible to entirely remove dust mite allergens in the workplace.

Mould Allergy

Mould Allergy

Mould produces airborne spores which are microscopic in size. When breathed in, they can irritate the airways and cause a respiratory reaction. Mould spores can particularly affect those with respiratory allergy and exacerbate conditions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis. They can also irritate sensitive skin and contribute to a flare of atopic eczema, especially facial eczema.

Pet Allergy

Pet Allergy

Research suggests that dogs at work may reduce stress levels, boost performance and employee engagement. However, animal allergies are common, and some employees may be uncomfortable sharing their work space with a dog.

Individuals with a food allergy – what to consider:

Your employer should risk assess to ensure that the potential for allergic reaction and cross contamination is reduced in the workplace. With a food allergy, you are also at risk of exposure to the allergen through cross contamination. It is advisable to implement the following steps in the workplace to mitigate this risk:

  • Separate storage of food and utensils;Residue on forks and plates, even after cleaning, can trigger a reaction. You may be able to be provided appropriate facilities to store your own utensils, dinnerware and food preparation materials, which are in a separate area, such as a cupboard or cool storage. In a fridge or freezer, you may want to suggest using the top shelf to avoid cross contamination from spills from other food sources.
  • Airbourne food particles; If airborne food particles trigger allergic reactions, then it may be necessary for your employer to implement a safe food zone to eat. In an open plan office for example, it may be necessary for the employer to enforce a ban from eating at desks or a restriction to where it is possible to eat within communal spaces.
Living with a Food Allergy

Living with a Food Allergy

In the workplace, food allergies pose a significant concern due to shared spaces, communal meals, and potential exposure to allergens. Employees spend a considerable amount of time at work, making it essential for organisations to create an environment that prioritises and respects the needs of individuals with food allergies.

Top 14 Food Allergens

Top 14 Food Allergens

In the UK, there are 14 food allergens that are recognised as the most common ingredients that can cause allergic reactions.

Social Events in the Workplace and Allergies

Catered Celebrations and Work Functions: If you have a food allergy, it is not unreasonable to expect to be accommodated on such occasions. The easiest way for employers to do this is by asking if there are any dietary requirements in advance. If it is not possible for you to be catered for, then make a request for you to provide your own safe foods.

Outdoor Events: If you are affected by allergic rhinitis or venom allergies especially, make your employer aware that outdoor events held during spring and summer months can trigger seasonal allergies, including hay fever and asthma and/or carry a risk of bee or wasp stings and an allergic reaction.

Celebratory Decorations: Decorations or items that have been in storage e.g. Christmas trees or items for an event, may harbour dust mites or mould. Ideally these will be aired and cleaned (if practical do to so) before putting them up in order to minimise exposure to an allergen. Similarly, for those living with a latex allergy, you may want to remind your employer that foil balloons may be a safer option.

Accessing Support in the Workplace

  • If you have an allergy, tell people. The law does not require you to do so, but if you need adjustments to enable you to work more effectively, then you will probably need to disclose your condition. Provide as much information as possible so people recognise the importance of suitable adjustments.
  • Health appointments. Workplaces should allow people with allergies to take reasonable time off to attend allergy-related appointments.
  • Occupational health. Some employers may be able to offer the support of occupational health services. This is a service which offers support to both employees and the employer on your health and well-being. It can also advise what measures are required to keep you safe at work with allergies.
  • First aiders should be trained to know how to respond to anaphylaxis. Any first aider in the workplace should know how to administer an adrenaline auto-injector. It is a good idea to meet with the first aider and let them know where to find your adrenaline auto-injectors and how to administer this rescue medication. Ideally, more than one co-worker should know how to help in an emergency.

Additional Resources

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice

The Citizens Advice service helps people to resolve their problems. As the UK’s largest advice provider they are equipped to deal with any issue, from anyone, spanning debt and employment to consumer and housing plus everything in between.

GOV.UK

GOV.UK

Reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities or health conditions - Employers must make reasonable adjustments to make sure workers with disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions, are not substantially disadvantaged when doing their jobs. This applies to all workers, including trainees, apprentices, contract workers and business partners.

Allergy UK Helpline

Allergy UK Helpline

If you are looking for help, advice or information, call our Helpline on 01322 619898. They can advise on your nearest NHS allergy clinic or consultant. Alternatively, you can email your enquiry to info@allergyuk.org or use the web chat service to talk directly to one of our advisors.

Sanofi UK has provided a financial contribution to the production of this digital destination but has had no editorial input into the design, content or other outputs.

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