Is it OK for an employer to ask an employee to not wear perfume because another employee is allergic?

Question

I am allergic to perfume and I have previously moved my desk twice to avoid heavy scents. Recently a co-worker was moved next to me who insists on wearing perfume. I have been told my options are to live with it or to move again. I cannot find any open desks that are away from perfume but close to my current work group. Plus I don't want to move. I would like my boss to ask my co-worker to stop wearing perfume or to move her to a new cube. But I also don't want to be labeled a "problem", assuming that hasn't already happened.

I am allergic to perfume and I have previously moved my desk twice to avoid heavy scents. Recently a co-worker was moved next to me who insists on wearing perfume. I have been told my options are to live with it or to move again. I cannot find any open desks that are away from perfume but close to my current work group. Plus I don't want to move. I would like my boss to ask my co-worker to stop wearing perfume or to move her to a new cube. But I also don't want to be labeled a "problem", assuming that hasn't already happened.

BTW - I have already spoken with this co-worker more than once. She says she will not wear perfume, but then says she forgets, which I believed. I didn't go to my boss - my boss came to me because my co-worker doesn't like it that I'm asking her not to wear perfume.

Answer 1

I have worked in several places in which employees have been asked not to use perfume, strong smelling lotions or air fresheners. It is your bosses responsibility to deal with the issue. He simply needs to let everyone in the office know there are people sensitive to perfumes and ask people not wear them. He doesn't have to single one person out, simply make it an office policy.

Answer 2

Tell her politely that her perfume is beautiful but you wonder if she could tone it down a little bit. You have noticed a few people have allergies and it's making it hard for them to work. Even though she is obnoxious, she may have a heart. Give her a chance. If she continues, sign a petition and take it to the big boss asking for a change in company policy about personal hygiene. But some people might not think about it. I worked at a hospital before and this was our departmental policy - no perfume. Then, you would go upstairs and some nurses would reek! How could they not think it wouldn't affect sick people? Some people just need to be told face to face. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Figure it this way: the person wearing the perfume is being just as inconsiderate as a person who has bad body odor. Her smell is able to move into your work area. Since you have complained already, it sounds as though you need to step things up. There are workplace laws in effect that protect you from this type of thing. I suggest you consult a workplace lawyer, or even OSHA.
You have a legitimate grievance.
Either that, or just say something very frank and direct to the woman, such as, "Man, if you were a surgical nurse, the patient wouldn't need anesthesia!" Or maybe, "Hey, did you get that big economy-size bottle of perfume at the 99-Cent Store?"

Answer 4

we get this problem at the hospital I work at a LOT. there's a couple of people i work with who pound on the perfume...and it's absolutely terrible. not only is it annoying for us,...but you know that the patients must be suffering. And it is definitely not good for the respiratory patients. We have it in our policy that we're not allowed to wear perfume...and we've complained to our boss, but she hasn't done anything. If I was a patient, I would have seeked legal advice...just as if I were you, I would seek legal advice.

Answer 5

Yes i think it is OK to ask and a co-worker to stop using perfume. it is more of a courtesy than anything. But if the co-worker is rude enough to refuse, then there is nothing you can do about it, asking your employer to help might be OK because it is a health problem.

Answer 6

Your employer should stop people from wearing strong perfume You have the right to a safe healthy workplace & your employre must provide it. It's not whinning to complain about a health threat. If your boss won't do something get a note from your doctor & take it to personal. If they fire you sue.

Answer 7

i've had several jobs where we werent allowed to wear purfume. Your boss could make it part of the rules of conduct then anyone who get caught could be punished. it sounds kind of stupid but you have a right not to be sick at work when it can be helped. ask the women not to wear it b/c you have allergies and you would like to remain in your current desk and dont want to be a problem but her perfume is killing you. ask her how she would want to be treated if she were in that situation.

Answer 8

I think there's something in the law that says that you can't descriminate against someone if they are handicapped because of their handicap. I'm not quite sure if an allergy to perfume can be considered a handicap, but if it is, by refusing to not wear perfume can be considered descrimination. Just ask your co-worker if she'll stop wearing perfume. If she says no, then bring it up with our boss. If he says no, sue!

Answer 9

u may be labeled as a problem, but who cares it ur health at at stake. I would just ask my boss and see what they think. If nothing can be done I would take it to the source itself and her if she would mind moving or wear less perfume.

Answer 10

I really think people should get over these kinds of things. Most people wear body spray, perfume, deodorants and colognes to work.....These things did not used to be a problem. The truth is everywhere you go people are wearing them not just at work.....And that is just life people wear scents. And it sure is better than BO if you ask me....