Employers have a responsibility to protect their workers by managing allergens. Here, we give you a rundown on common allergies found in the office workplace. We’ll discuss your duty to protect employees and the products that can help minimise allergens and the risk of allergic reactions.
What are allergens?
Allergens can be anything that causes someone to have an allergic reaction. It’s not just eating something we’re allergic to, but also coming into contact with the allergen. This can be through contact with the skin or inhaling it through the air.
Symptoms can range from being mildly troublesome and inconvenient (such as a mild itch or throat tickle) to life-threatening, depending on the individual and the severity of their allergy. Allergens can also trigger pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or eczema.
Common workplace allergens
The problem that employers face is that many allergens can be found in the office environment and can be exacerbated by a poor cleaning regime. Common workplace allergens include:
- Dust mites – tiny but pesky creatures that are invisible to the naked eye. They live in materials and fabrics (carpets, rugs, sofas and feed on dead human skin cells. With lots of people in an office environment, dust mites have lots of ‘food’ to thrive on
- Mould – a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm and humid environments. In the office, you could find it on walls, windowsills, ceilings, behind furniture, in toilets, kitchens, near leaking pipes, carpets and soil in potted plants
- Food allergens – they can be incredibly varied, with everything from peanuts and dairy to shellfish and mustard. They can leave traces in the fridge, on countertops, on desks, on communal touch surfaces, microwaves and so on
- Fragrances – synthetic fragrances are commonly found in cleaning products such as disinfectants, air fresheners, scented surface wipes, bleaches and polishes. They can even be found in toilet paper
- Pollen – when windows are left open or office pets carry it inside on their fur
Workplace allergy policy UK
As an employer, you have a duty to protect your employees, which extends to protecting them against harmful allergens with a workplace allergy policy. This is outlined across multiple sources of UK legislation:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – states that employers have a duty of care to provide an environment where workers can carry out their jobs safely
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 200 – states that employers are required to assess and control exposure to substances that may cause ill health, including allergens
- Equality Act 2010 – states that if an allergy is severe or life-threatening, it may be considered a disability. As an employer, you must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate affected employees
Any trained first-aiders in the team should also be aware of the allergens that could trigger employees and what to do in the case of an emergency.
Allergen advice from the experts
Don’t just take our word for it! Did you know?…
- According to Allergy UK, allergies are on the rise. By 2026, it’s estimated that 1 in 2 people in Europe will be living with an allergy. That means it’s important that you take the topic seriously and be clued up on how you can support sufferers
- Anaphylaxis UK, a charity supporting those with allergies, recommend that employers should carry out individual workplace risk assessments for employees with allergies. This means consulting them about their history with allergens and discussing preventative measures that could be implemented. They may also advise on preferred cleaning products that they are comfortable with you using around them
Cleaning products for allergies
Maintaining a clean office environment is your number one defence against workplace allergens.
This can be delivered through having a structured cleaning routine for your workplace. It is recommended that you have a daily routine, weekly routine and a deep-clean monthly/quarterly routine. The routine could look something like this:
When looking for cleaning products for allergies, look out for those that are:
- Fragrance-free – shop our range here
- Dye-free
- Free from harsh chemicals – avoid bleach and ammonia
Aside from cleaning products, did you know that you can also buy hypoallergenic toilet paper? Shop here.
You should also avoid products that contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and you may want to consider removing air fresheners.
The importance of ventilation
Proper ventilation is also important to prevent mould. This could be through:
- Natural ventilation, such as opening windows (depending on the pollen count)
- Using trickle vents (most modern windows have them)
- Using ventilation systems that bring in fresh air (ensuring the filters are regularly cleaned/replaced)
- Using air purifiers
Focus on ventilating high-risk areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and breakrooms, especially when there is a higher volume of people and activity.
You can also monitor the air quality with smart devices.
If you need advice on choosing cleaning products for allergies, get in touch today by calling our experts on 02477 181654.
For further advice on creating a safe workplace for those with allergies, contact Allergy UK here.
