Why allergy awareness matters in the workplace 

With over 20 million people across the UK living with an allergic condition, there is a significant chance that someone in your workplace, whether your colleague or a customer, has an allergy. This includes food allergies, medication allergies, and environmental triggers. 

For employers, this isn’t just a wellbeing issue – it’s a health and safety responsibility. Creating an allergy-aware workplace helps to protect staff, reduce risk, and build a culture where everyone feels safe and supported. 

How allergy awareness saves lives 

In any workplace — whether it’s an office, construction site, university, or retail environment — it’s highly likely that at least one employee is managing an allergy every day. For those individuals, even routine activities like team lunches, shared kitchens, or first aid situations can carry risk. 

Without awareness, those risks increase. The most serious allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, can happen rapidly, developing within minutes and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Recognising the signs early — and knowing what to do — can save a life. 

But many people lack the confidence or knowledge to act in an emergency. Research and training insights consistently show that people are far less likely to respond effectively if they haven’t been trained. In a workplace setting, that hesitation can be critical. 

Your responsibility 

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees. Allergies fall squarely within this responsibility. 

Workplace allergy risks might include food allergens in shared kitchens, exposure to latex, chemicals, or cleaning products and a lack of clear processes for managing medical emergencies. Without proper awareness and planning, these risks can go unnoticed — until something goes wrong. 

How to create an allergy aware workplace 

Having an allergy-aware working environment helps to reduce the risk of accidental exposure, support colleagues, and build confidence in managing allergies for all. 

But having awareness alone isn’t enough. Having practical knowledge on how to recognise and treat allergies helps staff feel confident to respond effectively. Training should include common triggers, sign and symptoms of an allergic reaction, what anaphylaxis looks like, how to respond in an emergency (including emergency medication), and how to reduce risks through everyday workplace practices. 

Employers should also carry out allergy risk assessments, implement clear policies and procedures, support employees with Allergy Action Plans, ensure emergency responses are understood and provide high-quality training for all staff. 

A whole-workplace approach is the most effective — where everyone understands their role in keeping colleagues safe. 

How AllergyWise® for Workplaces can help 

Learn more about AllergyWise® for Workplaces 

AllergyWise® for Workplaces, developed by Anaphylaxis UK, is a practical online training course designed to give employers and staff the knowledge they need to manage allergies safely at work. 

What you’ll learn: 

• How to recognise and respond confidently to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis 

• How to reduce risk and safely manage allergens in the office 

• Clear guidance on employer and employee responsibilities 

• Step-by-step training on emergency response, including how to use adrenaline devices 

• Real-life workplace scenarios to build confidence and prepare for everyday situations 

It takes around 1–1.5 hours to complete and provides a recognised certificate, helping organisations demonstrate their commitment to safety and best practice.