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by Brendan Cruickshank
April 16, 2011
Avoiding Food Allergens in the Workplace
Lots of people have food allergies. As a reader of this blog, you might be one of them. If
not, chances are high that you've run across several in your comings and goings. Maybe
some of your family members are allergic to peanuts, dairy products or gluten. Or, some of
your co-workers. In fact, the number of people in your workplace with some sort of food
allergy may be higher than you think.
An estimate published by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network in 2005, states that
4% of Americans may have food allergies. That means that if you work with 25 people,
at least one is likely to experience difficulties breathing, hives, itching or even potentially
fatal anaphylactic reactions after eating or being exposed to certain foods. Even if that
estimate is high or you've not encountered a co-worker with a declared allergy, there are
good reasons to be aware of and avoid, the onset of allergic reactions among those you do
business with.
While it's relatively easy for people with allergies to monitor and control the foods they
are exposed to at home, it can be more difficult to do so in the workplace, where colleagues
share a kitchen; where lunches or other meals are catered and eaten in the company of
others; or where employees are expected to go out to restaurants as part of their job.
However, there are a number of precautions that you, as someone allergic to particular
foods, or staff with co-workers who have food allergies, can take. While the suggestions
below are addressed to those with food allergies, they are equally relevant to work
supervisors and all others sharing a workspace.
If you've got food allergies, let others know. There's nothing to be ashamed of, and
prior notice may save you embarrassment, as well as a health emergency, later
on. You should inform a supervisor and others you work closely with of the foods
that trigger a reaction, your symptoms, and the most effective treatments. Once
your colleagues know about your food restrictions, they can help you be vigilant for
ingredients that appear on your plate or within your reach. And, they can serve as
an advocate when you need to explain your dietary needs to others.
Disclosure about your allergies includes ensuring that there is, on file at your
workplace, a written record of your allergies, potential reactions and medications.
You may also want to wear a bracelet that indicating vital medical information and
warnings. While these may sound excessive if your allergy symptoms are mild, they
can help you if there should be an unforeseen emergency.
Request that management ensure that kitchens in the workplace are cleaned thoroughly and that food that produce allergic reactions are kept separate from other foods.
As an allergy sufferer, you will want to be as proactive as possible by maintaining control over what you eat and what foods you are exposed to (some allergy sufferers may have reactions merely when in the presence of reaction-causing foods, even if they haven't eaten them). This includes trying as much as possible to consume foods that you bring from home, where you know hat's in them, as well as ensuring that you always have medications with you, in case of an allergic reaction.
When you do eat food that you have not prepared – e.g. when at work meetings with colleagues – try to notify food providers ahead of time about food restrictions that you or other employees have, and ask for modified menus. If there is someone in
your office or workplace in charge of organizing social gatherings, ask him/her to be vigilant about the introduction of allergens in catered foods.
If eating out at a restaurant as a part of a working breakfast, lunch or dinner, again inform those you are with of your dietary restrictions, and encourage their support. Remember that no one wants to have to see you suffering or, at worst, rush you to a
hospital if you are experiencing a severe and uncontrollable allergic reaction.
By taking precautions such as these, and by maintaining communication and awareness of food allergens and associated reactions throughout the workplace, you and your colleagues can feel more assured that allergy-related ailments will be avoided.
Brendan has served in senior client services roles with major sites like Juju.com and JobsInTheMoney.com. He has been in the job search and recruiting industry for the past 8 years where he has become well respected for his insights and is regularly quoted on topics in employment and jobs trends. His opinions have appeared in the Wall Street Journal and US News & World Report as well as other major publications.
Source :
www.job-search-engine.com