Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is a significant workplace health and safety issue. Affecting up to 30% of the population. Symptoms can include “brain fog,” fatigue, and intense sneezing—can impair work performance as much as a mild cold.
For Employers and Employees to manage symptoms and maintain a safe environment, you might consider.
For Employers: Creating a Supportive Environment
Proactive management reduces Absenteeism, which accounts for the majority of hay fever-related economic costs.
- Implement Practical Adjustments:
- Air Quality: Ensure HVAC systems are serviced and fitted with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to trap pollen.
- Ventilation Control: Keep windows and doors closed during peak pollen times, typically early morning and late afternoon.
- Desk Placement: Move affected employees away from windows or high-traffic doors.
- Safety & Risk Management:
- Identify Critical Roles: Conduct risk assessments for staff in safety-critical roles (e.g., drivers or machinery operators) to evaluate the impact of symptoms or medication on performance.
- Flexible Working: Consider suitability for work from home on “Very High” pollen days to give control in the work environment.
- Workplace Hygiene:
- Storage: Provide separate lockers or cloakrooms so pollen-laden outdoor clothing is not hung near workstations.
- Cleaning: Use vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters and swap traditional dusting for damp-dusting with microfibre cloths to trap particles.
For Employees: Medical Management & Self-Care
Managing symptoms effectively is key to staying safe at work.
- Medication Safety:
- Prioritise Non-Drowsy Options: Second-generation (non-sedating) antihistamines can be helpful for work. Medications such as cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine are available from the pharmacist.
- Avoid Drowsy Meds: Older antihistamines (e.g., chlorphenamine) can cause significant drowsiness, which can be hazardous with safety-critical tasks, such as driving or operating machinery.
- Start Early: Medical experts recommend starting Hay fever treatments 2–4 weeks before your symptoms usually begin for optimal protection.
- Daily Tactics:
- Track the Count: Use the Met Office Pollen Forecast to plan your day. Levels often peak at the start and end of the day.
- Barriers: Use a nasal balm (like Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen and wear wraparound sunglasses during your commute or if working outdoors.
- Post-Commute Hygiene: Wash your hands and face upon arriving at work to remove any pollen collected during travel.
When to Seek Further Help Allergy UK recommend consulting a GP if:
- Symptoms are “moderate to severe,” impacting sleep, concentration, or daily activities.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are ineffective after 2–4 weeks.
- Hay fever triggers or worsens other conditions, such as asthma.
Further specific advice and support can be gained by consulting with Occupational Health
