They aren't respecting the fact that what they are doing could kill me?

Question

I have a very bad nut allergy that has become worse over the years, even comming in contact with them can send me to the hospital with anaphylactic shock. I had an allergic reaction at work oneday with out eating anything, I touched something then touched my mouth. I used my epi-pen. After that, my manager posted big notes around the back office, saying all nuts are not allowed anymore. The new rule was followed for a few days but now I see people eating nuts again. They eat them far away from me but they don't understand that if they touch the photocopier (or something else) and then I do, there's the possibility that I could end up dying. We have new managment and I plan to address this issue at the next staff meeting, but it's not for another 2 months. What should I do in the mean time? Is it really that hard of a rule to follow?

Many schools and day cares have a ban on all products containing nuts including peanuts because this allergy has more then trippled in the last 5 years. If schools can impliment something like this, why can't work places?

Answer 1

That is a tough one!

I say that first, talk to your supervisor about the chain of command in your office. Where I work, going to management has no effect, it has to come through your supervisor, or your supervisor's supervisor, etc. So find out if you can go directly to management or not.

Second, go to your dr. who works with you on your allergy to nuts. As them to write a letter to give to management detailing your allergy and spefically about how even using office equipment that someone else has used after eating nuts can harm you. I don't think they are aware of how serious it is. Having a note from the dr. shows that this is not just you being whiny about people eating nuts, but a serious medical condition. Some doctors refuse to write notes like this, so if your dr refuses, then go through the yellow pages looking for allergy specialists and explain your situation to them and find one who will write a letter.

After you have the letter and it's in hand, give it to the person in the chain of command (but be sure to keep a copy for yourself!), whether that person is your supervisor or management itself.

Also, I believe this type of allergy would qualify you unders the Equal Opportunty Employment and American with Disabilities Act and I'd contact your EOE office to see what they can do to help (warning, some of them are really bad and won't do a single thing to help!)

Once you've done all this, if it continues, I'd consult a lawyer to see about legal actions you can take....and also, probably look for a new job! If you do look for a new job and are hired for that, give them a copy of the letter immediately.

Answer 2

Wow, that is a tough one. I can see both sides of the issue--you can't be around nuts, yet I can see why the other people in the office feel like they should not have to give up what they like to do for your sake only.

I would suggest you send a company wide email (with the approval of management). Explain the seriousness of your allergy. I highly doubt that the average person knows that an allergy to nuts can actually cause death (rare that it does, but it is possible). Make the email as short and to the point as possible, but make sure to include the fact that even skin contact with nuts can cause you severe reactions.

The next step would be to request that management remove all nuts and nut containing candies from the vending machines.

Answer 3

I know I am a little late in getting to this question but I wanted to respond to you. I am just beginning this journey of how ignorant people are when it comes to how serious food allergies are, and they are uncaring selfish people that choose to make allergies your problem. I take pleasure in knowing that people that show no sympathy for others, receive no sympathy when they need it. My son is 5 and we just found out last year he could die if he eats tree nuts. We, too, have to carry the epi-pen. I enrolled him in school this year, and had to take him out after his first day because the school didn't abide by the "no sharing food" rule that they said they would enforce. Long story short, I am now a home-school Mom, which I never thought I would be. I have to do what I can to keep my baby safe until he can try to keep himself safe. My hope is that the government will see the rise in allergic reactions to nuts and enforce these rules in school and work place...just like people that smoke, they basically have to do it at their own home because of the risk of harming others. It's a long shot, but a beginning....write your senator. Get the wheels turning on this issue. If more people like me, and you and others out there speak up, we will have to be heard. My son's school told me they didn't know how to deal with his problem and I can't risk his life while they "try" things out....especially when the first day they failed. In the meantime, just do what you can to protect yourself, and know your not alone in how you feel.

Answer 4

C'mon Chriztina, while I personally would be respectful to you in that way, many people just don't care or don't understand. Therefore, you must take responsibility for your own health and safety. Carry a wipe with you at all times - OR wear gloves.

Explain to your boss and let him/her know you aren't being silly, that you have a serious allergy that can kill you. And you are only taking precautions.

Stay away from the ones you know eat nuts at work. Just tell them kindly that you are allergic to nuts and touching anything they have touched could kill you.

Answer 5

I can understand that you would want the world to be more understanding to your condition but that is not how the world works. you need a new approach to your problem. You need to ask management to make sure that nut products are not brought to the floor. you can not control what I bring for lunch but what comes on the floor can be controlled. Its not a matter of following rules as much as you dictating what I can and cant have for lunch. eat lunch in your car or at home and or keep wipes at work and clean objects before you touch them or yourself after touching what can not be cleaned. its tough I realize as I have an intolerance to cinnamon and clove. and yet it is still in many Christmas products.

Answer 6

I agree with the answer of bringing a doctor's statement, document that you have given a copy to your boss. (KEEP a copy for yourself). Contact Human resources in writing and tell them the problem you are experiencing. Contact the EEOC and file a complaint. You have a disability, apparently a well documented one if you have an epi-pen. You are entitled to a SAFE work environment. You are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Good luck.

Answer 7

Take responsibility for yourself. If it's that serious then you need to wear gloves. You never know who could stop by the office and what they were eating before they got there. The copier repair man could have had a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. You can't expect other people to be responsible for your health, it's just not feasible.

Answer 8

iwould add to the many other suggestions the need to wash hands frequently. the company can make it a health and safety policy. washing hands is the easiest and most effective way to avoid contact illnesses, including allergies. . also keep hands away from your face.

Answer 9

You have to talk to the manager again, and if they don't do anything then you can probably sue them.

Answer 10

not real hard but put yourself in their shoes--easy to tthink oh she wants attention or special treatment-- Im allergic to her!