Feeling like a passenger to Asthma?

[Brittxpressurself93]

How do you deal with asthma in your work place? What's some good advice on how to incorporate a healthy prevention plan for work?

Do you feel strange giving explainations to your peers?

Feel free to give advice I'm friendly enough.

[Minushabens]

Hi there.

Is your question based on you having problems at work?

As a general point, the law says that employers have to make "reasonable adjustments" for people who have disabilities, which for the purposes of the law will generally include asthma.

There is no cut & dried definition though of "reasonable" as it is relative to the size and resources of your employer; so as an example if you work for a large multi-national the expectation is high, if you work as the only employee of Smith's Corner Shop, the expectation is dramatically lower. Adaptations & adjustments must be specific to your needs and designed to make your capability to do the job you are being paid for easier.

So, because the law is vague & flexible, it helps to know a bit about your specific situation. In general terms, you need to decide what it is you need, & your employer should say whether or not they think that is reasonable.

Some examples of "reasonable" MIGHT include additional sickness entitlement, better ventilation, an allowance of time for medical appointments, being allowed to work in a different room, being moved to alternative duties if you are exposed to triggers, etc. (note these are examples; nothing is certain).

In terms of how to approach it, again that depends on your circumstances. I used to work as a senior manager for a charity, and we had processes whereby people could arrange meetings to discuss their needs, with representatives if they wished. Starting with a polite request will generally get you further (at least with reasonable people) than steaming in quoting the law.

Anyway, let us know your specifics & that will help people to better tailor advice to you.

[Wheezycat in reply to Minushabens]

I have just returned from a trip to Sweden, where there is generally much greater awareness of allergies and sensitivities. Thus some long distance buses have a small compartment purely for allergy sufferers. Within that you may not bring animals with fur, go in if you use perfume or any other kind of smelly, etc.

Also, I just saw my cousin, also an asthmatic. She works as a primary school teacher, and there furry animals and smelly substances are forbidden in class rooms - or procedures must be put in place if there is a need for them. Also awareness round painting and decorating, so that volatile substances, like oil based paints are used only during holidays.

I do think we could do with more awareness raising for these sorts if things. I get irritated (but can cope) that each time I go to the theatre these days they always use some smoke effect. I can certainly feel the irritation.

I was shocked recently that a hospital had put air fresheners in their toilets. I certainly felt it, so I did put in a written negative comment about it. They should not be used in hospitals at all in my view.

None of is helps you, but it would be good if there was greater awareness.