My co-worker has recently informed me and the entire office that the reason she has been experiencing cold symptoms for the last month is that she is allergic to my perfume. I stopped using the perfume as soon as she let me know she thought I may be to blame. She still has cold symptoms and still proceeds to blame the "excessive use of perfumes around her".
How much responsibility do I have. I stopped using it, and do not spray anything around her. I feel bad for her symptoms but I don't think it really was or is me but she continues to use it as an excuse for her symptoms (blowing nose, coughing and sneezing).
I don't want to move cubicles and she hasn't visited a doctor for this issue.
I am getting increasingly annoyed.
2006-11-29 08:33:40 · 7 answers · asked by jodimode 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Allergies
I was on the other side of your situation. I am allergic to certain types of perfume. A co-worker of mine came into work wearing the type I am allergic too. (It smelled really bad but that's another story). I told her I was allergic to it and she said she wouldn't wear it any more. I figured issue over. Two days later I came to work and she was spraying herself with it in her office which is next door to mine. I ended up spending about five hours in the hospital and couldn't work for three days because my reaction was so severe. She is a pretty horrible person and my employer told her that if she couldn't be sensitive to those around her she would be looking for alternate employment. She didn't do it again but for it to come to that was really sad. It really changed our relationship and her relationship with our other co-workers. She knowingly made me sick and that's really inexcusible.
As far as your situation goes, maybe it is your perfume and maybe it isn't, but why would you want to risk making someone else sick. You may be getting annoyed, but she's sick... which is worse. I would suggest you don't wear the perfume to work that way it can't be your fault and she has nothing to blame you for. Wear it in your free time when you won't be around her.
Allergies are unpleasant enough as it is, you shouldn't have to argue with co-workers to do the right thing. If you were allergic to peanuts would you want her coming into your office and eating peanut butter while sitting on your desk. No. The workplace is a place filled with annoyances, what makes us good people is learning to think of others before we think of ourselves and always try to do the right thing.
Probably not what you wanted to hear, but I think you're being incredibly selfish and inconsiderate.
2006-11-30 15:58:24 · answer #1 · answered by jjmlls 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speak to your supervisor. If the lady had a cold, it should've been over in a couple weeks at most. If she's being a real stinker, she may have to go to a doctor for medicine that will desensitize her. Alternatively, your employer can attempt to provide her with an office/workplace that minimizes her exposure to perfumes and the like. She does have rights under the federal law known as the Employees With Disabilities Act that any employer is legally obligated to observe. At the same time, you and your co-workers cannot be held entirely liable, since many folks who're that sensitive to allergens are also sensitive to the odors of soap and water - and you gotta bathe now and then!
I know, it's a pain for the rest of you at this time, but try to understand her needs. She's gotta work, and working under conditions that make her ill is not a reasonable requirement. Again - speak to your supervisor. It is up to management, not you, to deal with this issue.
2006-11-29 16:49:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You aren't responsible at all if you've already stopped using the perfume. At this point, she is simply being difficult and you should just ignore her until she gets to a point where she is harassing you. Should things reach that level, speak with your manager and appraise them of the situation.
2006-11-29 16:43:04 · answer #3 · answered by Big Cack 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, as long as you discontinued your use of perfume (which was a *very* considerate the to do, btw) I wouldn't worry about it. If she continues harassing you, contact your employer.
2006-11-29 16:41:38 · answer #4 · answered by erthe_mama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your not responsible if she still has the same symtoms after you stopped using the perfume .so i would tell her to get off her *** and seek medical advice,or get another job
2006-12-03 00:00:23 · answer #5 · answered by jason of argonant 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
speak to your supervisor and state same...
2006-11-29 16:41:51 · answer #6 · answered by cork 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not your fault. Screw her.
2006-11-29 16:40:59 · answer #7 · answered by jhswim07 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋