Your Safety Guide For Avoiding Allergic Reactions In The Workplace

Shared kitchens, treats at office parties, insect-friendly landscaping around the building — if you have severe allergies, there are a number of things at work that can expose you to dangerous allergens and put you at risk for an anaphylactic attack.

Anaphylaxis is a dangerous, potentially life-threatening reaction that involves your respiratory system and circulatory system. “The most important thing you can do is to have emergency medicines available at work,” emphasizes Vincent Tubiolo, MD, an allergy, asthma, and immunology specialist in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Take these additional steps to allergy-proof your workplace:

Pack a Workplace Allergy Treatment Kit

It’s critical to have all your prescribed medications with you on the job, says John Fahrenholz, MD, an allergist and assistant professor of medicine in the department of allergy, pulmonary, and critical care medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. Your treatment kit should include antihistamines and injectable epinephrine. Also include oral steroids if your doctor recommends them and a rescue inhaler if you have allergic asthma.

As an extra precaution, Dr. Tubiolo recommends wearing a medic alert bracelet that describes your allergies and the location of your rescue medications.

Create a Safe Work Environment

You are not required by law to tell anyone about your allergies. However, if you explain the extent of your allergies to your boss or an HR employee, you may be able to negotiate necessary changes to reduce your exposure to allergens, as long as you are still able to do your job.

“Whether you want to tell people about your allergies depends on the boss and workplace dynamics,” says Dr. Fahrenholz. Remember, your employer has to keep your medical information confidential. Read more

Source: (everydayhealth)