Improving Allergy Awareness in the Workplace

Managing workplace allergies is crucial for both employee wellbeing and business success. Here’s how dealers can assist in implementing effective allergy management strategies to ensure safer work environments

It is estimated that around 41m people in the UK suffer from allergies, caused by anything from pollen to food intolerances, all with varying degrees of severity and impact on their ability to live and work safely. While individuals typically manage their own allergies, employers also have a Duty of Care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure that organisations create safe working environments.

For dealers, assisting customers in making reasonable adjustments and enhancing working conditions for employees with allergies is an effective way to strengthen their reputation as essential business partners. This support might include helping customers identify potential allergens in products, offering items that align with allergy management plans, or recommending additional products to improve air quality and maintain workplace cleanliness.

Identifying allergies

Dealers can assist customers in managing workplace allergies by ensuring that potential allergens are clearly identified, and that this information is accessible through product labelling or on their website. This applies not only to food but also to items like cleaning products, PPE, and clothing. By providing this information, customers can make informed decisions about the products they keep on their premises. It’s also important to remember that allergens can be present in unexpected items. For example, some stationery products may contain latex, which is a common allergen.

Safe storage

From food allergies to sensitivities to floor cleaners, it’s essential for organisations with staff who have allergies to have secure storage solutions for items that need to be kept separate. It’s not only food that may require segregation; dealers should also remind customers of the importance of providing designated utensils, such as cutlery and mugs, for individuals with severe allergies to prevent cross-contamination. Safe storage practices should also be applied to chemicals that could trigger allergic reactions. These items need to be clearly identifiable, and dealers can offer further support by providing proper labelling and signage.

Additionally, it’s important for customers to be aware that items left in storage for extended periods, such as infrequently used equipment or supplies, can accumulate dust particles, which may exacerbate allergies. Dealers should encourage customers to regularly move or clean these items to prevent dust buildup.

Materials matter

Many common workplace products, such as cleaning sprays, air fresheners, and inks, can cause allergic reactions upon contact with skin, leading to conditions like eczema and dermatitis. Dealers should remind customers of the critical role PPE plays in protecting employees, while also advising them to consider the materials used in such equipment.

Whenever possible, switching to less harsh alternatives can help reduce the risk of reactions. However, in environments where chemicals are frequently used, businesses should maintain a supply of gloves, aprons, masks, and other necessary PPE to ensure employee safety.

Ensuring effective allergy management in the workplace is not only beneficial in terms of increasing worker wellbeing and safety, it also delivers significant financial benefits to both the organisation and the broader economy. In the UK, allergic diseases across all age groups cost the NHS an estimated £900m annually. By proactively managing allergies, businesses can reduce employee absences and sickness, leading to increased productivity and lower healthcare costs – making allergy management a smart investment for any organisation.