How to Manage Occupational Allergies

Be Aware of Employee Allergies

The first step to knowing how to handle employees with allergies is by making it a priority to learn about their conditions. This is best done through the human resource office as you need to be cautious about handling anyone with sensitivity to allergens. You should also be aware that most individuals with allergies are more vulnerable during an allergy season, depending on where you live and what they are allergic to. For example, employees who are allergic to pollen are at higher risk during late winter or spring when trees and plants pump out these allergens.

Nevertheless, most allergies are triggered the moment an individual is exposed to allergens that quickly trigger hypersensitivity of the immune system. Once you have figured out who among your employees have allergies, it is vital to request them to have their allergy medication at the workplace. These will come in handy as the first line of defense after exposure to allergens while at the workplace. 

Raise Awareness on Allergies

For a safer work environment, you need to educate your employees on allergies, common allergens, and how to spot signs of allergic reactions. Most workers never realize the severity of allergies and making it clear that there is more to these conditions than sneezing, coughing, or slight rashes will ensure everyone is ever cautious about their actions. This will help avoid preventable incidents such as pranks and food allergies while encouraging a greater sense of responsibility among everyone.

Have Employees First-Aid Trained

The worrying increase in workplace accidents and emergencies has made it vital for organizations to train employees on first-aid measures. These have a tremendous trickle-down effect as they come in handy whenever an employee with severe allergies requires instant medical attention. Remember, the first few minutes after an allergic reaction starts are critical, and if an employee is provided with emergency treatment, the symptoms will be easier to manage.

Offer Reasonable Adjustment to Employees with Allergies

As an employer, you have to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate employees with allergies. Your aim should be to create a suitable environment that factors in the health and safety of your workers while allowing them to perform their duties. Depending on the allergies in question and the employees affected, you could opt to:

• Shift them to a different position or office where they are not exposed to these allergens
• Have employees with food allergies store their food and utensils in a separate place
• Have their emergency contact and doctor within reach
• Avail pH neutral hand soaps, sanitizers, and cleaning products in washrooms

Set up Policies to Protect Employees with Allergies

It is never enough to raise awareness on occupational allergies, and you need to set up policies to protect vulnerable employees. Firstly, confidentiality about employees’ medical conditions needs to be respected and should be complemented by seeking personal and professional guidance on what is needed in case of an emergency. You should also have policies on dealing with workers who break the guidelines and end up exposing their co-workers to allergens.

Keep the Office Clean and Well-Ventilated

One of the best ways to protect employees with allergies is by ensuring they stay in a clean and well-ventilated office. Some of the best ways to do this are by:

• Having a separate space for hanging coats and jackets from outdoors
• Ensure the office and workstations are regularly cleaned
• Install an air purifier or more powerful air conditioner
• Use HEPA air filters
• Always be on the lookout for water damage to prevent mold growth
• Be wary about carpets and other absorbent materials at the office

Provide Appropriate Protective Gear

If you are in a high-risk industry where employees are constantly in contact with harsh elements and exposed to substances that can cause allergies, you must never take any risks. Always provide your employees with appropriate protective gear to limit contact with these substances while also avoiding common workplace injuries. For example, providing masks that can filter airborne particles will offer protection against most allergens, especially if employees have to work outdoors in an uncontrolled environment.

Use Less Harmful Substances

Opting for less harmful substances in place of products that cause allergies is a smart way to keep employees safer. There are many ways that you can do this, including:

• Discontinuing the use of fragranced products
• Replacing latex gloves with nitrile gloves
• Using low-chromium cement and less-volatile hardeners
• Substituting perm solution with the less sensitizing ammonium thioglycolate

Understand the Need for Sick Time and Unexpected Leave for Treatment

You need to be ready to have employees with allergies take time off for medical emergencies, given how much care they require after exposure to allergens. In case of an emergency at the workplace, you should strive to have the medical respondents know about their condition as there is a good chance they could be allergic to new medication. You should also prioritize getting in touch with their loved ones or personal doctor after they experience an allergic reaction for better medical attention.

Adhere to the ADA Act

The ADA act reigns supreme when it comes to employee welfare, and you need to ensure compliance with these policies. Remember, some allergy-related incidents can be reported under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrence. This can cause legal problems if you do not have a proper structure to prevent these foreseeable injuries and to stay safe, you will need to know your expected mandates. If you have any doubts about the stretch of your legal duties, consult with your liability insurer to iron out these issues before it is too late.

Endnote

Managing occupational allergies is never simple as all it takes is a little exposure to allergens, and you will have a severe problem at hand. Luckily, you can minimize these risks by taking these steps to protect your employees and make your workplace safer for everyone.