Allergies

Q: What do you do when you have an employee with allergies than could potentially become a safety concern?

A: Allergies are environmental hazards that are becoming more prevalent in the workplace. Most often thought of are respiratory allergies (such as hay fever, mold or dust mite). Consideration must also be paid to allergic reactions to insect bites (bee sting & spider bites), potential food allergies, allergic reactions to chemicals or building materials.

While individuals are not required to divulge personal medical history to their employer (including allergies), it is prudent to ask for this information. A line item on the employees Personal Information Sheet or a note attached to their personnel file may help you to help them in the case of an emergency. An employee has the right to decline giving this information, however many will freely share this if asked, knowing it may help save their life one day.