Every spring, Allergy UK holds its Allergy Awareness Week. This year’s event takes place from 24th-30th April, so now is the perfect time to talk about allergies in the workplace.
Almost half of UK adults suffer from an allergy, and this number is rising every year. Most allergies are mild, but some can be debilitating or even life-threatening. Employees with serious allergies have a duty to take sensible precautions, but you also have a duty to keep them safe. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the laws around allergies, and the ways in which you can reduce the risk
What are the most serious allergies?
The most dangerous allergic reactions are often caused by food. These can trigger anaphylaxis, a condition in which the body’s immune system goes into overdrive. Anaphylaxis is extremely serious. Around ten people a year die from the condition, and a further 6,000 are hospitalised.
90% of food allergies are caused by “The Big Eight” allergens. These are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soybeans and wheat. Of these, peanuts are the most dangerous. One in 200 UK adults suffers from a nut allergy, and some cases can be triggered by touch as well as ingestion.
What does the law say about workplace allergies?
There is no specific legislation covering workplace allergies, but general H&S laws are applicable. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires you to minimise the risk of workplace injuries “as far as is reasonably practicable”. This includes taking steps to protect employees against severe allergic reactions.
There is also debate as to whether disability legislation applies to allergy sufferers. A recent tribunal ruled that food allergies do not count as a disability because they do not affect a worker’s ability to carry out everyday tasks. But another case in 2012 ruled in the opposite direction, deciding that a chef who suffered from a serious nut allergy did qualify as disabled.
As a general rule, you should only treat an allergy as a disability if it severely affects an employee’s ability to work. In these cases, the Equality Act 2010 would apply. This makes it illegal to discriminate against workers on the grounds of disability, and requires employers to make “reasonable adjustments” to accommodate disabled employees.
What can I do to reduce the risks?
Whatever the law says, we’re sure you want to do everything you can to keep your employees safe. Luckily, with a few basic precautions, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction:
- Talk to your employees and make sure you’re aware of any allergies.
- Create an allergy policy covering the most common allergies. This could include banning the eating of peanuts at desks, or the storage of shellfish in shared fridges.
- Clean the office regularly, focusing in particular on shared equipment.
- Keep the workplace properly ventilated.
- Create a separate area for coats to stop pet hair and other allergens making it into the office.
- Make sure that first-aiders know the location of EpiPens, and the proper procedure for using them.
- In serious cases, consider providing the employee with their own fridge and eating utensils.
- Make sure employees with serious allergies aren’t required to “hot-desk”.
Remember that allergy sufferers don’t just suffer from physical symptoms. Having an allergy at work can be alienating, especially if sufferers are made to feel like an inconvenience. You can avoid this by making an effort to include them in office activities. If you have a catered event, make sure the caterer is aware of their needs. If you go out for a meal, ask the employee about restaurants that work for them.
Is it time to refresh your first aid training?
Even if you take every precaution, you can never completely eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction. That’s why it’s vital to have trained first-aiders who know the procedure for administering an EpiPen.
Our first aid courses cover everything you need to deal with medical emergencies of all kinds. Whether you want to train new first-aiders or refresh the knowledge of existing staff, our experts are happy to help. Get in touch today to book places.
