Workplace Support | Allergy UK | National Charity
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Information and advice for a parent or carer of a young adult living with allergy.
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 2003 (RIDDOR) and can place a legal responsibility on the employer.
For those living with allergic conditions, this could mean employers may be responsible for:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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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