Allergy to fragrances
Glendaj
1 Post
I posted on the wrong site so here it goes again.
I have a long term ee that says she is allergic to all forms fo fragrances. She relates it causes her to lose time from work the day after someone visits her wearing something with a scent. I have been asked to investigate what sort of "reasonable accomodation" we can make to keep her from getting sick. The only one I can come up with is to send out a company wide email telling everyone we are forbidding the use of any kind of personal hygiene product that contains a scent and no one can wear any cologne, after shave, lotion, etc. that has a fragrance. I need some help here. The ee is valuable to the organization. But, how far can I go with this??
I have a long term ee that says she is allergic to all forms fo fragrances. She relates it causes her to lose time from work the day after someone visits her wearing something with a scent. I have been asked to investigate what sort of "reasonable accomodation" we can make to keep her from getting sick. The only one I can come up with is to send out a company wide email telling everyone we are forbidding the use of any kind of personal hygiene product that contains a scent and no one can wear any cologne, after shave, lotion, etc. that has a fragrance. I need some help here. The ee is valuable to the organization. But, how far can I go with this??
Comments
Start the interactive process with the EE - does her allergy doctor specify what kinds of fragrance causes the problem. Is is just perfumes, after shave and the like? Or does the allergic reaction also come from shampoos, scented soaps, etc? This may help you set parameters on what can be done.
That said, I believe that asking your other EE's to not wear any fragrence is unreasonable. Asking them to be "reasonable" and not excessive with it would be more appropriate, I think.
FYI, my husband is also allergic to all types of fragrances. He can tolerate some types but most will really affect him. If he is sprayed with for example any type of perfume - he will get at least a first degree burn on his skin. It affects all individuals differently but I would say as long as you make a reasonable effort in helping with this situation, that your employee will appreciate it. Just make sure that you would do this for any and all employees so as to not to be seen as favoritism.
Good luck
We have one allergist in town that cancels patients appointments if they come in wearing any type of fragrance. They are sent letters in their new patient packet advising them of this and asking that they refrain from wearing scents.