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Making work safe for people with allergies

In the UK, 1-2% of the adult population have allergies and intolerances. Therefore, it’s important for employers and employees to work together to create a safe working environment for people with allergies. Whether the workplace is an office, healthcare setting, university, retail, or outdoor working environment, managing allergens is important not only for employees but also volunteers, students, and contractors.

Ensuring Workplace Safety for Employees with Allergies

Employers should conduct individual workplace risk assessments for employees with allergies. This involves finding out about the employee’s allergy history and what steps can be taken to ensure they can avoid their allergens in the workplace. Providing a safe storage area for staff with food allergies to keep their own food, offering safe snack and meal options if food is provided, and ensuring outside caterers are aware of staff allergies are all important measures. For work-related meals at restaurants, employers should verify that the establishments can accommodate food allergies safely. Referring to guidance on eating out with allergies can help identify restaurants capable of catering to staff with allergies.

  • right_arrow_orange_icon Carry out an individual workplace risk assessment for employees with allergies. Find out about their reaction history and what steps can be taken to ensure they can avoid their allergen/s in the workplace.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Create a safe area for staff with food allergies to store their food, offer safe snacks/meals if you provide food and make sure outside caterers are aware of staff with food allergies.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon If staff are expected to eat out at restaurants, e.g., for work meetings with clients or for celebrations, ensure the restaurants can cater safely for food allergies. Our eating out guide has further information about eating out safely.

Educating Employees on Allergies and Anaphylaxis

Employers should ensure all staff are knowledgeable about the signs of an allergic reaction and the proper emergency response procedures. Offering training sessions to improve understanding of allergies and anaphylaxis can help equip employees to recognize and react appropriately to an allergic emergency. Workplace culture is also important – staff should be made aware that “pranks” or bullying involving a colleague’s allergens are unacceptable and potentially life-threatening. Any information shared about an employee’s allergies should only be done with their explicit permission, to respect their privacy and comfort level. Promoting awareness, training, and a supportive environment are crucial for keeping staff with allergies safe in the workplace.

  • right_arrow_orange_icon Ensure all staff know the signs of an allergic reaction and what to do in an emergency. Offer training sessions to all staff to improve their knowledge and understanding of allergies and anaphylaxis.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Make sure staff are aware of the impact of “pranks” on colleagues who have allergies. Food allergy bullying, when someone with allergies is teased or even threatened with the food they are allergic to, is never ok and is potentially life threatening.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon It’s important your employees with allergies are comfortable with any information you share with the rest of the workplace about their allergies – always get permission first.

Managing Allergens in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers and Employees

It is crucial for employers and employees to work together to create a safe and inclusive working environment for individuals with allergies. Whether the workplace is an office, healthcare setting, university, retail, or an outdoor working environment, managing allergens is essential not only for employees but also for volunteers, students, and contractors.

AllergyWise® for Workplaces

Our AllergyWise® for Workplaces course is designed to ensure all staff in a workplace or business are allergy aware, can recognise the signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and have the confidence to safely manage a reaction.

Environmental Allergies

For employees with environmental allergies, such as house dust mite allergy, animal allergy, mould allergy or hay fever, here are some further points to consider:

  • right_arrow_orange_icon Provide a space to hang coats and jackets away from the main working area, as these can carry dust and pet hair.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Keep the workplace properly ventilated, but if an employee has hay fever, keep the windows closed early morning and late afternoon when the pollen count is highest.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon If there are plants in the workplace, make sure they are regularly watered, and the topsoil is removed so that mould can’t grow.

Workplace Anaphylaxis Risk Assessment

The Workplace Anaphylaxis Risk Assessment is a document designed to identify, evaluate, and manage the risks associated with an employee’s severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in the workplace. This assessment ensures that both the employee and the workplace are prepared to handle potential anaphylactic incidents effectively.

Be an Advocate for Your Allergies in the Workplace

Employees with allergies should proactively share specific information about their condition with their colleagues. This includes educating them on the severity of the allergies and how to recognise the signs of an allergic reaction. By informing coworkers about steps they can take to help prevent reactions, such as communicating about food-related events, the employee can enlist their support in managing the allergies. Additionally, if the employee is comfortable doing so, they should provide consent for their employer to share their allergy information more broadly within the workplace. This open communication and collaborative approach allows the entire team to work together to maintain a safe environment for the allergic employee.

  • right_arrow_orange_icon Give your colleagues specific information about your allergies, including how serious they are and how to recognise the signs of an allergic reaction.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Let them know how they can help prevent allergic reactions and how they can help you manage your allergies, such as communicating with you before they plan a lunch or event where food will be involved.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon If you are happy to, give your employer consent to share your allergy information with the wider workforce.

Preparing for Allergic Emergencies in the Workplace

It’s important for employees with allergies to make their colleagues aware of where they keep their adrenaline devices in case of an emergency. This ensures that those around them know how to immediately access and administer the life-saving medication if needed. Additionally, employees should work with their employers to ensure their workspace is regularly cleaned and free of any potential allergens that could trigger a reaction. Finally, creating an Allergy Action Plan that outlines the steps to take in an allergic emergency and keeping it with the adrenaline devices provides clear guidance for coworkers on how to respond appropriately. By taking these proactive measures, employees with allergies can feel confident that their colleagues are equipped to support them in the workplace.

  • right_arrow_orange_icon Ask colleagues to label all food that they bring into the workplace and to not eat allergens in your workspace.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Let your colleagues know where you keep your adrenaline devices.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Speak to your employers to make sure your workspace is regularly cleaned, so that it’s not harbouring any dust or allergens that you may react to.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Make an Allergy Action Plan and keep it with your adrenaline, so your colleagues know what to do in an emergency.
Download an Adult Allergy Action Plan

Some Frequently Asked Question

When Should I Tell a New Employer About My Allergy?

Knowing the right time to inform a new employer about your allergy is crucial to ensure your safety and compliance with workplace health and safety regulations.

Find out

Should Assistance Dogs Be Refused from Entering the Business?

The presence of assistance dogs, essential for supporting individuals with disabilities, can sometimes clash with the health needs of colleagues who have animal allergies.

Find out

Should Nuts be Banned in the Workplace?

Banning nuts in the workplace can enhance safety for those with allergies, but alternative measures may also be effective.

Find out

Is it OK for Employees to Eat at Their Desk?

While the practice of eating at one’s desk can boost efficiency and convenience, it’s important to carefully consider the associated health and hygiene risks.

Find out

Allergies at work FAQs

  • Is hand sanitiser as effective as hand washing?

    No. Washing your hands is proven to remove more allergens than using antibacterial hand sanitisers.

  • Who is allowed to administer adrenaline in an emergency?

    Regulation 238 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 allows for adrenaline to be administered by anyone for the purpose of saving a life in an emergency.

  • If I have to administer adrenaline, how quickly will it work?

    Signs of improvement should be seen fairly rapidly – usually within minutes. If there’s no improvement, or the symptoms are getting worse, then a second dose of adrenaline should be given after five minutes.

  • What are the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?

    More serious symptoms are often referred to as the ABC symptoms and can include: 

    • AIRWAY – swelling in the throat, tongue or upper airways, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing 
    • BREATHING – sudden onset wheezing, breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, persistent cough 
    • CIRCULATION – dizziness, feeling faint, sudden sleepiness, confusion, pale clammy skin, loss of consciousness or collapse 

     

    Mild to moderate symptoms may include: 

    • a red raised itchy rash (known as hives or urticaria) anywhere on the body  
    • swelling of the face, lips and/or eyes  
    • a tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth 
    • mild throat tightness 
    • stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhoea 

     

    These symptoms can also happen on their own. If you don’t have the ABC symptoms, the reaction is likely to be less serious and is not the same as anaphylaxis but watch carefully in case ABC symptoms develop.

     

  • Should I tell my colleagues about my allergy?

    While it is always your choice whether to tell your colleagues about your allergy, we recommend that those who work closely with you are made aware. We recommend having a conversation in which you discuss your allergy, the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and what to do if you have an allergic reaction.