This week, Tuesday 22nd — Monday 28th April is Allergy Awareness Week.
Here’s how you can help create a safer environment for employees with allergies:
- Conduct a risk assessment to identify employees with allergies, learn about their past reactions, and implement strategies to help them avoid allergens.
- Provide a designated safe space for employees to store their food and offer allergy-friendly snacks or meals if food is provided.
- Ensure outside caterers are aware of employee allergies.
- Implement Natasha’s Law, ensuring all pre-packaged foods and on-site prepared food have a full ingredient list with allergens clearly highlighted.
- Display allergen information clearly on menus, websites, and in store using symbols or a key, and consider a poster listing the 14 major allergens.
- Check suppliers thoroughly to prevent cross contamination and ensure safe food.
- Train staff to recognise allergic reactions and understand emergency procedures.
- Create a no-tolerance policy for pranks or bullying involving allergens, as it can be life threatening.
- Share allergy-related employee information only with their consent to protect privacy.
How can we help?
For further information about issues raised in this article, please contact a member of our Safety & Health — Training & Consultancy team.
