Allergies occur when there is an overreaction of the immune system due to contact with a specific substance, such as grass and plants, animals, dust mites, pollens, bee stings and certain foods. The immune system responds to these substances, called allergens, as if they were harmful.
Symptoms and characteristics:
Some of the symptoms associated with allergies (allergic reactions) can include:
- skin rashes and eczema
- swelling of body parts
- sneezing and runny nose
- teary, red, itchy eyes
- asthma
- nausea, vomiting or upset stomach
- headaches or migraines
- anaphylaxis.
Severe and rapidly progressing allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis, can be life threatening and include symptoms such as serious breathing problems, rapidly spreading hives, swelling of the face, tongue and throat and loss of consciousness. Urgent medical attention is required in these situations.
For more information on some of these symptoms and characteristics, follow these links:
Workplace adjustments and modifications:
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with allergies to better manage their symptoms. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, such as:
- identifying triggers or what is causing the allergy to allow for effective management
- offering protective gloves or equipment made of different materials for those with allergies to products such as latex
- providing personal protective equipment to avoid contact with allergens such as dust masks and respirators for air borne allergens, gloves to minimise skin contact with potential allergens or long sleeved clothing to prevent potential insect stings
- ensuring the workplace is regularly cleaned including regular dusting and vacuuming of office environments to reduce dust mites
- minimising contact with mould if working in moist environments
- using products with low odours and fragrances or allowing for adequate ventilation to reduce impact of these
- for people with anaphylactic reactions to products such as peanuts, education of colleagues regarding the avoidance of bringing those products into the kitchen facilities or workplace
- education of emergency procedures required for those with anaphylactic reactions
- if providing catering within the workplace, consider whether food allergens can be avoided.
(ASCIA 2007; ASCIA 2003; Better Health Channel 2007; Better Health Channel 2008)
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work-related modifications, equipment and services to help people with disability to get employment and perform their work as independently and productively as possible. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
References:
ASCIA 2007, What is Allergy?, Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Sydney, viewed 18 December 2008, <http://www.allergy.org.au/content/view/111/1/>.
ASCIA 2003, Allergy avoidance, Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Sydney, viewed 18 December 2008, <http://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/aer/infobulletins/pdf/Allergenavoid.pdf>.
Better Health Channel 2007, Allergy Testing, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 18 December 2008, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Allergy_testing?open>.
Better Health Channel 2007, Asthma and allergens, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 18 December 2008, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Asthma_and_allergens?OpenDocument>.
Better Health Channel 2007, Food allergy and intolerance, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 18 December 2008, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Food_allergy_and_intolerance?OpenDocument>.
Better Health Channel 2007, Latex allergy, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 18 December 2008, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Latex_allergy?OpenDocument>.