I had an asthma attack caused by a strong plug-in air freshener at work (which the manager refused to turn off despite me pleading with her) and had to go home as I couldn’t breathe & a very tight chest pain, GP prescribed Prednisolone and issued a sick note for 7 days but still chest pain and another asthma attack, given 2 nebulizers at Walk-in, was sent to A&E by ambulance, given 4th nebulizer and discharged with two lots of antibiotics. GP extended my sick note last Wednesday and prescribed more Prednisolone when suddenly my contract was terminated on Friday 1/3. Saw GP again yesterday who sent me to hospital to Urgent Medical Assessment Centre for my chest pain & wheezing and they were shocked that I got sacked whilst on sick leave (which ends on 13/3). Applying for a new job but scared that this may happen again as I am also allergic to strong perfumes, cleaning products, pollen etc. Contacted CAB for advice today and they mentioned disability under the Equality Act 2010 but I never classed myself as disabled, just trying to avoid triggers and live a normal life with asthma. Any advice from you lovely people on how to cope at work with asthma would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Asthma attack from air freshener at work - Asthma Community ...
Asthma attack from air freshener at work
It's appalling that your contract was terminated and what a vindictive manager!I'd say that was destructive dismissal
I was in shock but as upsetting as it is my health comes first. I just despair that other people don’t take asthma sufferers seriously, my GP said they put my life in danger! There are medical bracelets for allergies like Penicillin and bee stings but people with asthma are exposed to far more triggers on daily basis and have no protection.
I think you have been treated very badly. In fact i think you should take them to a tribunal. I once suffered a ashma attack from a very irresponsible nurse who thought bringing in a lovely scented floor cleaner was okay ..
To freshen up the floor and room until cleaners came in .
It was not even on the coshh list .
My bosses put in a complaint and it was removed.
This manager should be prosecuted for putting you at risk . Disgusting.
Has your GP arranged for you to have a proper medicines review, are you being looked after by a good consultant . Your asthma seems to be a little out of control, you need to be being looked after by the correct people.
I think the first thing is to work on looking after yourself and getting yourself OK. Be kind to yourself.
To help with this, have a chat with the nurses at asthma UK on 0300 2225800, office hours. They can help you you come up with a plan re your asthma.
Once you are better, you can take advice on whether you can take your old employers to tribunal for breach of all the disability legislation, but is the stress really worth it. Write down now what happened while you remember it.
Re your next job, you need to tell them that you have asthma. They, in theory, are not allowed to discriminate against you on that basis. They can then make the necessary adjustments to help you do the job, from your description, the adjustments do not seem large, merely an environment that is neutral in terms of smells.
I worked for a smallish company, 50 people, and they adjusted my job as my asthma worsened without issue.
Good luck with it all.
Thank you so much for your reply and the contact number. I will give the asthma nurse a call. I really appreciate your advice. Only had 4 hrs sleep last night, stressing again so you are right, I don’t need any more stress by dealing with my ex boss (who was constantly praising me and giving me more responsibilities, training, etc. until the air freshener incident which is why it was such a shock and totally unexpected) and instead need to focus on finding a new job. I always declare my asthma (was diagnosed 27 years ago) which is normally well controlled and try to avoid triggers but really wasn’t expecting this. Glad to hear your boss was more understanding of your asthma. Best wishes x
That sounds appalling! You must have some comeback against your employer as she put your very life at risk, all for an air freshner- the irony! Hope you can get some advice on this, can get hospital report etc. and it shows the employer caused this.
Hope you recover quickly and can get another job where they are not so ignorant. 🤞
Dear fraid, thank you for your kind words. CAB emailed me several links, including ACAS but not sure what good it would do as I worked for a law firm that is constantly hiring new staff and getting rid of people they only just trained up. 7 people in 4 months is pretty high staff turnover and from what I heard from my colleague there were so many more during her 2 yrs there (ironically she was dismissed 2 days after me) so I think it’s best to leave it rather than stressing and loosing sleep over it which sadly is the case at the moment. Hoping to find a new job soon that has access to fresh air 🤞
But Redrose ..you see the person must be made accountable for their actions.otherwise it will happen to someone else.He needs reporting and investigated..
Sorry to hear this. Your employer and manager sounds awful. You don't need the stress of losing job on top of all this, but on the plus side, I think you will be better off away from these people. Hope you can focus on recovery before finding a new job, and then finally taking action on them.
Thank you for your kind words. I need to put all my energy into getting better first and start a new chapter in my life, just hope my new employer will be more understanding 🤞
I would like to hope that most employers would be more understanding and should have a level or responsibility by law to care for their employees. I think you just got unlucky here and the majority of places won’t be like that… I also understand it’s awkward to ask others to make changes to accommodate our asthma. I always have to ask family to remove things like air fresheners and keep pets away! Hope your find some peace and good luck finding a new and better job. Lots of places to work from home nowadays too.
Thank you so much! I am so glad I discovered this forum last night, finding people with the same condition and daily struggles who understand where I am coming from. We didn’t choose to have asthma. I don’t mean to be a nuisance to anyone but some people will just never understand that when they are healthy and don’t have to struggle to breathe or worry about making it to hospital on time, last week was quite distressing not just for me and my husband who was in the ambulance with me but also for our boys who were so worried and left alone at home that night. Thanks again for taking your time to reply. Wishing you all the best x
Report them Redrose. Don't let them do this to anyone else
All I can say as an Asthma sufferer myself that firstly, you ought to accept that you have a disability and secondly, I would consult an employment lawyer. The company who sacked you shouldn't get away with that. You also have to think of future employees who will be discriminated against. I'm sure you you wouldn't want to go back there but they should offer you financial compensation including paying for possible legal costs.
Hi Frank, that is really the question I was hoping someone would answer. Is asthma a disability or not? I agree with you that the company shouldn’t get away with it and other members of this forum are advising the same but I just really want to concentrate on getting better, already applied for a new job and just need to get my asthma sorted so that I am not breathless at next job interview should I hopefully get one. Not sleeping properly since the weekend due to stress of loosing my job and possible side effect of the 96 Prednisolone tablets I just finished so need to get some closure and move on from this. Do you have disability for your asthma? I don’t know where to get assessed, shall I contact my GP? Thank you so much for replying to me, really appreciate it.
Severe asthma is considered a disability under the Equality Act.
Only you can decide what is best for you and relieves stress and anxiety. When you apply for a new job mention that you have asthma and how it affects you. Although mine is now managed, I mention it every time. It might not be seen as a disability but it is still an illness worth considering. Ultimately, people often forget that there a fair number are still dying from an attack every year.
I'm in no way an expert on this but I think even with less severe asthma, there are protections under the Equality Act in terms of what the employer is/is not allowed to do and in terms of reasonable adjustments. For example if your asthma is well controlled unless you encounter a particular trigger, I believe they need to take that into account, make reasonable adjustments, and not force you to work in conditions that trigger your asthma, or penalise you for sick leave relating to it. Not sure about the details.
I am pretty sure they include wording around how variable conditions like MS and asthma are considered disabilities under the Act - ie just because it's not always causing problems for the employee doesn't mean it doesn't count as a disability at work.
I do now always make sure I mention it up front when starting a new job - it's really helped in terms of adjustments (though now I'm freelance). I used to think I didn't need to or was afraid to - but my first job in my current industry 10 years ago, I announced it with an email from hospital on day 3! Not ideal but I'd decided it wasn't an issue anymore - don't be like me.
I absolutely agree. Well put. Thanks.
Dear Lysistrata, thank you so much for your advice, I was looking for the right words to use in future and saying that “my asthma is well controlled unless I encounter a particular trigger” is spot on. English isn’t my first language so sometimes it’s hard to express myself properly. The last bad asthma attack prior to this one was last June during a heatwave when a lady sprayed herself all over with a deodorant right in front of me at school reception, I had to use my blue inhaler and she apologised but at least we had all the windows open. People just don’t think how it could affect others around them. I always declare my asthma when attending an interview (fact I was given a Health Questionnaires to fill out prior to being offered a job at school subject to satisfactory health check from GP) and the Practice Manager knew this right from the start yet refused to switch it off, got quite annoyed and replied that she won’t and that it never bothered anyone. Well I just have to put this behind me now and concentrate on my health and finding a new job. Thank you so much again for your words of encouragement. I am glad you worked it out in your employment. Best wishes x
I'm glad it helped, but honestly the people who sacked you are something else!!
I hope you find a new job very soon with an employer who doesn't think they're above the law. I don't know what industry you're in but there are employers out there in general who are better than that.
Also hope you get things under control with the asthma soon.
Those stand on worktop,furniture airfresheners set me off. Do u work for an agency? I'd look for work frm home jobs.it may also be worth looking at taking an antihistamine.ru on a steroid preventer inhaler & montelukast x
Hi, thanks for your time to reply. personally I think that all air fresheners should be banned altogether, so many children are suffering with allergies than before and as we tend to spend more time indoors instead of being outside in fresh air, the so called air fresheners are killing any clean air left inside. Same goes for disinfectants, ads on TV advising on adding them to your washing machine, what for? Our parents and grandparents didn’t use those and there were not so many skin allergies as today. Sorry to rant. Yes, I have been on steroid preventer twice a day for the past 27 years and GP told me to double it last week. Never had montelukast before. I take antihistamines for my hayfever during season but they make me very drowsy. Will look into possibilities of working from home, thanks.
The older antihistamines provoke drowsiness but otc cetrizine loratidine or fenofexadine r usually better and sold as non drowsy.yes lots of highly perfumed products really aren't necessary. Hope u soon feel better xx
Thank you so much! Rest and fresh air is the best 👍Nurse advised to swap Loratidine to evening as taking it in the morning made me so drowsy I struggled doing to school run, felt like I was drunk and had to hold on to my kids, I am allergic to lots of medication, especially anything containing Ethanol, gives me palpitations and my knees buckle, never tried Cetirizine though.
Allergy tabs used to make me drowsy till I used Cetirizine which doesn't. OTC. Piriton was the worst!
I never tried Cetirizine before but Loratidine made me so drowsy I had to swap to taking it in the evening. I love spring but the pollens are a nightmare, lilac trees and freshly cut grass are the worse to walk past, I am always crossing the road to avoid them.
Cetirizine do all allergies, also bright sunlight can set you off so wear sunglasses, sniff cold water up your nose, wear a mask - I was even allergic to carrier in eye drops! 🙄 Good luck! 🤗
Dependent on your length of employment, it's illegal to sack you whilst off ill.
If you're in a union, I'd get in touch with them straight away and tell them what you have told us here. If not, then inform ACAS. Again, they will look into this on your behalf. From what I can see, they played a part in the reason for your absence in the first place, and quite frankly put your life at risk.
I'd also put in a formal complaint to the companies HR and CEO.
Hi, thanks for your reply. I was on a 6 months probation and worked there for last 4 months when it happened. The HR was aware and pleaded with the practice manager but no luck. CAB said I would have to be employed for 2 years to have a claim for unfair dismissal. I’ve had so many sleepless nights with my asthma last two weeks and then stressing over it that I just want to put it behind me, concentrate on getting better and finally find a new job with a more understanding boss. Best wishes x
I wish you a speedy recovery and the best of luck in your search for a new job x
Hi, thank you so much. Feeling so much better now and found a temp job so life’s good. Hope you are well. 🙂
I'm pleased to hear that things have improved for you. I'm god thank you 😊
You're definitely covered by the Equality Act 2010, as your asthma affects you long term (over 12 months) and you have to receive regular treatment and require emergency care, when necessary.When you commence your new job, be open about your asthma and request an Occupational Health review by a qualified practitioner. Their role is to identify the risks in the workplace in relation to your health and well-being and then make recommendations for reasonable adjustments that reduce those risks. They can also recommend a more fluid attendance system to take into account that you may have more sick leave and have doctor appointments specific to your disability. If the employer doesn't have access to their own Occupational health, you, as the employee, can contact Access to Work- a free government scheme. Simple identification of something like an aire freshener not being used is ABC stuff and a very straightforward reasonable adjustment.
The fact that your previous employer refused you a reasonable adjustment with regards the plug in freshener puts them in the position of failing in their duty of care to you under employment law and the Equality Act and potentially H&S Regs too. Not sure how long you worked there, but the fact they terminated your contract without warning may put you in a position to take legal action. ACAS are the organisation you need to consult as a start.
I always advise people to join their workplace union or a union that covers their profession, as they then have access to support, advice and representation. Some employers will wilfully ignore employee rights while others are just ignorant of them. Even if the employer has a well organised HR and staff handbook, a rogue manager can make the workplace unbearable. Always easier if someone has your back.
Dear Poobah, thank you so much for your reply and all the valuable information. I was actually panicking how I’m going to attend a future interview and they will ask me the usual question, why did I leave my last job. I have never been sacked before apart from when company went bust and we all lost our jobs but this is different. I started working there 4 months ago on 6 months probation, I even turned down another job offer and accepted this one instead and was still receiving invitations for interviews for another two weeks, if only I could turn back the time. The paradox is that it is a private law firm specialising in mental health yet they treat their own staff like this. Thank you for all your help, really appreciate it and it has helped to calm me down. Best wishes x
I can't add to the excellent advice you've already been given regarding your legal rights, but I did want to add another perspective regarding your search for a new job.
It's easy to worry that admitting to any form of disability or other issue that might impact on work is going to affect whether or not you are offered a job (because, let's face it, even though employers aren't allowed to discriminate, it's hard to prove because how do you prove that your asthma is why you didn't get the job)
But the thing is that I've worked for a few companies which have ignored the discrimination rules when it came to employing people (everything from picking a man instead of a woman because 'women just go off and have babies' to rejecting an applicant because they were disabled because 'we can't be bothered with all that hassle') And in every single case, they have been absolutely horrible people to work for. The two companies which were the worst at discriminating during the recruitment process were the absolute worst as employers: the first, I had a breakdown due to constant bullying from my manager and the second, I ended up with permanent health issues due to them breaking every rule in the book on employee confidentiality, welfare and safety.
So never be scared to tell a potential employer about your asthma. Because if they are the kind of employer that is going to withhold a job because of it, you absolutely do NOT want to be working for them. But an employer that is going to treat you fairly during the recruitment process is much more likely to be a good person to work for.
You are absolutely correct - it’s never z good idea to fight a bad employer
Great advice
Dear Mandevilla, thank you for your input and taking your time to reply. I really appreciate it. You are absolutely right in your last paragraph and I just need to find the right job with an employer that treats stuff fairly. I am so sorry to read about your bad experience in your previous jobs and especially as it permanently damaged your health. No job on this planet is worth risking your health or even life for. I wish you all the best and good health. Best wishes x
Employers are normally quite reasonable once they have the full picture and know that you're aware of your legal protections, and a member of a union or similar. Any employer with a good, proactive HR department or team are worth their weight in gold.
Just as the NHS aren't great at looking after the health of some of their employees, law firms can be the worst when it comes to workplace laws and regulations.
You've experienced quite an unnecessary set back, and I would be open with your new employer as to why your probation ended abruptly; in that a refusal to apply very basic reasonable adjustments led to the forseen asthma crisis, which is a rare occurrence. You could also say that it may have been a blessing in disguise, leading to better opportunities with a more enlightened employer. (Keep it honest, but positive).
Dear Poobah, thank you so so much, that is just the reassurance advice I was looking for - how to handle the next job interview as I am always honest but on this occasion got scared it could backfire (the golden rule is to never put down your previous employer no matter how they treated you). Thanks to you I feel a lot more confident again, I am going to memorise your last paragraph and hope for the best. Thank you so much again for your kindness. I don’t know your profession but you would make a great counsellor. Best wishes x
Happy to help. Thank you for your kind comments.
if would be useful to understand if your contact was for a specific period and how long you had been working there. Were others sacked as well? Starting point is why you were terminated and if it is allowed - less than 6 months on a flexible contract is less secure than over 3 years for example. If you had only worked there for a couple of weeks you probably don’t have much employment security. Moving on its useful to let an employer know if you have sny health problems which may cause you and them difficulties
Hi, I was there for 4 months into my 6 months probation and CAB said you need to be employed for at least 2 years to go to employment tribunal. I haven’t been sleeping properly since the asthma attack and stress caused by the whole situation and don’t think it’s worth pursuing as I really need to put this bad experience behind me and concentrate on getting better and then finding a new job. Best wishes x
CAB are correct but you can appeal with less than 2 years if it’s obviously race, gender of disability discrimination. I personally would advise against making a huge issue ax if can be stressful, long winded, costly and may not give you any real satisfaction/ would you want to work there?? Just move on with grace and a better understanding of what to do in the future. I was the victim of unbelievably crass discrimination in my early carer but decided to leave and progress my career- a fes years later I was approached by my previous boss for an amazing opportunity- he had been impressed by my professionalism!!
Dear Birthday60, thanks for your reply. That’s exactly how I feel - don’t need any more stressing over the past and need to channel my energy into finding a new job and putting my health first. My older son is doing his GCSEs and has never seen me so poorly or being rushed to hospital with asthma attack so need to sort out my asthma and concentrate on my family who are obviously worried about me. I’m sorry to hear about your discrimination and glad that you came out winner at the end. Wishing you all the best xx
Wishing you the best in getting that perfect role. I’ve been a CFO and responsible for legal finance IT and HR for many years with severe asthma so happy to help in any way. Always focus on the job content and culture - secure the role and only when you accept let them know that you have asthma - don’t tell them at first interview as it may allow them to eliminate you from the shortlist. Good luck
Thank you so much for your kind words. That actually has been keeping me awake at night (apart from coughing) - worrying how to answer the question at my next interview why I left my last job. Doesn’t look good saying they sacked me after being ill with asthma caused by their stubborn Practice Manager. I left the “Reason for leaving” field empty on the application form this time. I will follow your advice. Thank you so much. Wishing you all the best in your future and good health. Best wishes xx
I agree it's not necessary to raise asthma at an interview if it's not asked about, but many job application forms these days include a section on disability, in which case, it does need to be filled in.
It's common practice for companies to eliminate any applications which have unexplained gaps (sections not filled in, gaps in employment history) right from the start.
OP, if questioned, I would state the facts in a neutral way. If you try to dodge the issue, it's likely to make you look bad, but stating the facts in a non judgemental way will allow potential employers to 'read between the lines' whilst you maintain a good reputation for not criticising others.
Good advice / I always ask if there is anything else a candidate may wish us to know to assist us in the selection process which isn’t on their CV or been discussed in the interview. Recruitment is notoriously difficult and we have the rest of our employees health and well being to consider as well as our customers quality and safety. It’s always wise to be honest. I was caught out by someone who did not disclose they had a 60% absence record and when we realised that we did not have a reliable team member we felt badly let down - other staff were having to work extra hours and we had to employ a temp at high cost, if just wasn’t fair on anyone
A similar incident happened to me at work when our maintenance man walked around spraying air freshener, which caused me to have an asthma attack. Fortunately my boss told him to stop. I think you should look into it as there may be some breach of employment law. What an utterly selfish manager you had. Those air fresheners are the spawn of the devil!
You truly understand the impact of an air freshener as an asthma sufferer and I’m sorry that you had an asthma attack at work. At least you have an understanding boss who acted on it and put a stop to it. I wasn’t so lucky and ended up in hospital. Asthma attacks are so frightening, I was choking on the nebulisers and only the third one in the ambulance finally worked so I have to make sure my health comes first from now on. Best wishes x
Hi,
It's very disturbing to hear about your employer and manager. I think it is even worse when you learn that it is a law firm who treat you so badly. Obviously, they don't care about their staff, who are their most valuable asset. You are better off staying away from such nasty people. Hope that you can find another employment with a more understanding boss.
Also, I hope that you can get over this last medical episode.
Take care and wishing you all the best!
Thank you so much for your caring words. It’s very kind of you. Best wishes x
All the best with your interview.You have been given great advice already. Just something I was thinking on:You was giving a great deal of support medication from Hospital and GP due to lack of care and a simple request.
Now they may ask, how often does this happen to you. Just be prepared with a constructive answer.
Thank you so much for taking your time to reply. I am so glad I came across this forum as I really needed to hear opinions and experience from other people with asthma and it has helped a lot to read all the replies and advice. I haven’t had such severe asthma attack for over a decade as I just simply keep away from triggers but when I have asthma my blue inhaler helps even if I need to repeat several puffs. This situation got worse by the fact that there is no air con in the building and no windows downstairs where I worked at reception so basically I came to work and the smell of a strong perfume air freshener just hits you in the face, fills your lungs and you start gasping for air and blue inhaler didn’t work, I had to escape the building. So in my next job I need to check they have good ventilation and no plug in air fresheners before accepting the position.
You have the perfect answer just there. As you say you have not had such a severe attack in over a decade. So this was brought on purely by the situation and then exacerbated further by their unreasonable response and pure lack of care it to your request. When you are strong enough you need to challenge their behaviour.
What an awful experience - and an even more awful boss (who is actually the one who needs the sack, not you.)You've had lots of good advice but I have none to offer except to focus on getting well and try to regain a bit of normality before rushing into something else - if you can do that, of course. I don't know your financial situation and am not asking you to disclose it.
When you're having a down moment remember that your boss must have had the most awful wind that day if they wouldn't turn off a blooming air freshener! Hope that gives you a chuckle. 🤣 I'm sure laughs have been thin on the ground since it happened.
Best wishes,
XxMoy
Dear MoyB, thank you so much for your reply, you did make me laugh 👍
Other colleagues commented on the strong smell of air freshener and went to investigate where the smell was coming from, she brought a plug in air freshener to apparently disguise a musty carpet smell but refused to turn it off when I begged her as it made me cough and wheeze so badly. Next day I ended up with asthma attack as there is no ventilation, no windows downstairs to access fresh air or no air conditioning. So in my new job I will be looking out for a window in the office which was never a problem before and something we take for granted. Once again, thank you for your kind words. Best wishes x
Well reading your post has infuriated me if I'm honest as air freshener plugs trigger me as well, I think its disappointing and disgusting what your manager has done. I would suggest you take action against you employers, the problem I find is a lot of people don't realise how dangerous Asthma can be.I hope you quickly find another job and wish you all the best
Dear DannyQ, thank you for your reply. It was a huge shock as I really enjoyed my new job and was praised all the time until this incident happened. I couldn’t believe they could stoop so low while I was on sick leave for exacerbation of asthma (still signed off by GP till 13/3 but not getting paid as CAB said that stops when employment ceases) that was caused by that awful plug in air freshener. As I was 4 months into my 6 months probation they probably thought it was better to ditch me. No warning whatsoever. Anyway now I need to concentrate on getting better and moving forward with my life. Thank you so much for your kind words. Best wishes x
Hi RedRose Thanks for your reply.
You definitely come across as someone strong, I'm hoping you get back to being yourself again and I'm sure you'll find the right job.I get why you just want to move forward and not let your old boss drag you down, I'm sure karma will catch up with him eventually. Onwards and upwards as they say, one foot in front of the other and with a big smile
Thank you so much for your caring and positive words. That’s exactly what I said to my husband, no point wasting my energy (and money) on legal action as I believe in karma and need to move forward. The support this forum has shown to me has been amazing and I don’t feel like I am facing these issues alone anymore. I’ve only had two asthmatic colleagues in my entire life and all my friends are healthy so reading the posts from other members makes you realise that there are lots of other people who struggle with their asthma or obstacles at work. My teenage son has well controlled mild but luckily doesn’t have the same allergies/triggers like I do. In fact his new Lynx once sent me fleeing outside gasping for air so he’s now being careful and only using it in his room by an open window. Wood burning smoke, cigarettes and running in PE set him off so I constantly have to remind him to carry his inhaler with him. Best wishes xx
Hi. There are so many answers with excellent suggestions but I just wanted to say that I felt outraged too that you were sacked while on sick leave and because the stupid woman would not unplug it. You are disabled because you are not able to do things (sometimes) when your asthma is bad and while it might be stressful I think I would follow it up with the CAB and find out if you should be given compensation, once you are feeling better. You must have lots of documentation from all your hospital and DR visits and meds. I would also be talking to your managers boss so they can consider settling or the CAB might be able to do this for you. Take good care.
Dear ellamental, thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my post. I never expected to get so many replies and the support from this forum has been amazing and made a world of difference to realise I am not in this alone. Other members shared their stories about being mistreated at work for asthma and other health issues and it is so unfair that healthy people don’t realise how their actions can put us, asthma sufferers, at risk and as my GP said - putting my life in danger. CAB said I would have to be employed for 2 years to make a claim which probably explains why this private mental health law company has such a high staff turnover and not many make it to their 6 months probation. I should have seen the red flag when the same practice manager complained to me at my job interview how people don’t stay very long (2 left and 5 were dismissed in the last 4 months including me) so need to ask the right questions at my next job interview and read company reviews beforehand. Have a nice weekend and thank you again for your kind words. Best wishes x
Oh I see... that is bad news about the 2 yrs but in a way, it sounds like you will be much better off not working for such a bad company. Work is such a big part of our live that it has to be right, reasonable adjustments should be made and understood. You were not even asking for much were you! Just unplug the thing! Yes it is good on here isn't it. So much info and kindness. x
You and the other members have been simply amazing in offering help, advice and support. I was so devastated over loosing my job this way but at the same time stressing over my chest pain and wheezing and how I could possibly return to that irritating smell in an enclosed space (no windows at reception) so they made the decision for me. Despite lots of forum members advising to complain I don’t think the extra stress is worth it, can’t afford the legal cost and need to concentrate on my health instead, getting a new job and supporting my family. Thank you so much for sending me the link in your previous message, really appreciate it.
Just a ps.. I think they can sack you for malpractice and may come up with some nonsense reason that is a lie but you can still take them to court even if you have been there for less than two years... at least it looks like that and may be worth getting in touch with the Equality & Human Right Commission. Sorry if this is over kill. Severe asthma is seen as a disability under the equality act asthmaandlung.org.uk/condit....
and...equalityhumanrights.com
last one...You can be sacked if you still can’t do your job after reasonable adjustments (they haven’t looked at reasonable adjustments though) gov.uk/if-you-become-disabl....
Thank you for the very useful link you sent me, I filled out the online form and received an advice to contact my GP about being referred to a severe asthma specialist. Hopefully they will help. Thank you so much! X
I have been wearing a respirator at work most of the time for the last 15 years, for reasons like this. Either asthma needs to be controlled beyond sensitivity to these odors and VOCs (mine is never controlled), or one takes prednisone at all times, or it's the respirator. I do not see any other way. One can never control others (people wearing perfume, smoking etc).
One might also look into talking to a lawyer about damages due to dismissal and distress -- what Poobah said.
With regards to reasonable adjustments at the new place: I was able to get carpets replaced with hardwood floors and to get a parking spot near the building. The hardwood helped, but not fully. I still installed my own filter in the office. I guess, even if they offer adjustments, do not expect that they can do everything. I.e. there is nothing you can do about a colleague who smokes: even the smoking is outside, the smell remains. This is why I had a respirator with me at all times, no matter what.
Hi, thank you for your reply. Luckily my asthma is normally well controlled apart from the triggers like burning smell outside, strong deodorant sprays, someone smoking/vaping near me, air fresheners, scented candles, etc. but you don’t expect these in an enclosed office environment. It must be so hard for you having to wear a respirator for such a long time. Being on steroids all the time isn’t ideal either plus all the side nasty side effects. Honestly nothing’s more important in life than good health. Wishing you all the best. Best wishes x
I have had reactions to paint and the glue they used when replacing the carpet. Interesting enough, they now wall off sections to redo the carpet and vent out the fumes😳. Anyway, my manager was very supportive of my asthma action plan and need to be away from these triggers, of course we had a multi year history together.
I'm so sorry you had to experience this. People without chronic issues and asthma in particular have NO IDEA what we deal with.
Hi, thank you for your reply. You are absolutely right and it’s sad that people without asthma don’t understand us. My ex-boss probably just thought I was being fussy even though I ended up in hospital with asthma attack. I kept updating our HR and not once they asked if I was OK, just come and collect your belongings once I received the termination letter. I’m glad your boss is far more understanding. Best wishes x
😳Wow! How rude!
I hope you are doing better and find a more suitable environment.
Thank you so much! I am fine now and found a new temp job at Liverpool University 👍
Many people don't understand asthma and in particualr don't understand that chemicals in the air can set it off.
Yes, it is shock to hear it called a disability, but that is what it is. The majority of people aren't badly effected by such chemicals. A definition of disablity in the UK -
"Someone has an 'impairment' if any of their physical or mental abilities are reduced in some way. It could be because of an illness or medical condition but it does not have to be.
A 'substantial adverse effect' means more than just a minor impact on someone's life or how they can do certain things. This may fluctuate or change and may not happen all the time."
I am sensitive to chemicals such as scents, gloss paints. fumes from wood burning, pollens, moulds and most VOCs (volatile organic chemicals). I wrote to Allergy UK several years ago as they were saying certain air freshners were fine - which they were for contact dermatitis but not for people with asthma or migraine. It drives me bonkers that the companies are allowed to call them air "freshners" when they are air pollutants!
At home I use hepa filter air freshners and have taken them with me when staying away from home. We use limited VOCs and no scented products at home. I remember meeting my son in a pub once with a plug in air freshner nearby, which I didn't realise til we sat down. I simply unplugged it. What a horrible manager! You could write to the company with a complaint about her behaviour even though you were dismissed.
Yes, you need to take time to recover. Canada has much better policies about such chemicals in the work place. chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/sites/defau...
it is better recognised in the UK than it used to be but a way to go.
Dear strongmouse, thank you so much for your reply. I totally agree with you re: air fresheners and your definition as air pollutants because that’s exactly what they are. Apparently she was trying to get rid of musty carpet smell. Well masking one smell with another (which caused my asthma attack) is not an answer. Opening her window or cleaning the carpet would have been much better option instead of plugging in strong air freshener and keeping her office door open until the chemical odour spread everywhere!
Other members mentioned about disability to me so it’s something I will have to embrace. I just always assumed it meant someone using a wheelchair, crutches or a blind person.
Reading your post I see that I have exactly the same allergies as you. It is easier to control these triggers in my own house but when visiting friends I have to remind them, please put the scented candles or fresh flowers in a different room but even then I already breathed the scent in and my nose gets blocked, eyes start watering and I start wheezing and coughing. It’s not nice but can be handled unlike my work situation sadly.
It’s interesting what you said about Canada as I found out online that plug in air fresheners are actually banned at workplace in some US states too. Wish UK did the same.
I am going to look into getting a Hepa filter for my bedroom as had another bad night so maybe this could help. Thank you so much. Best wishes x
Did your employer give a reason for termination? If it's due to your health then its not legal. Speak to union if your a member or CAB. This is disgraceful conduct on behalf of your employer. As far as I'm aware employment cannot be terminated while you're on sick leave and definitely not for health reasons. You're employer should try to make reasonable adjustments so that you may continue to work in a safe environment. Hope you feel better soon.
Hi, no, they didn’t put health reasons in the letter. I submitted my first 7 days sick note from my GP after my first asthma attack at work when GP prescribed steroids, then ended up on more steroids following week and in A&E with another asthma attack, was given two lots of antibiotics and it was only then, when I submitted my second sick note that I received my termination letter. I worked there for 4 months on 6 months probation and apparently one can be dismissed while on sick leave. They gave me one week’s notice so the employment ended last Friday although I am still signed off by GP until 13/3. CAB emailed me stating: Your SSP will stop if you are dismissed or resign while you are off sick. So need to find a new job as soon as I feel better. Best wishes xx
What an awful predicament. Hope you're feeling better soon and something better comes your way. Xx
Thank you so much for your kind words. My husband says health comes first 👍 Best wishes xx
ACAS have a very good advice line as well as useful guidelines on the website.
Employers have to follow the Equality Act.
Asthma is covered under the act and reasonable adjustments should be made.
You are covered, and classed as having a disability, if your condition has an impact on your day to day living. For example if you didn't use your inhaler you would be ill.
A reasonable adjustment could be extending the amount of sick leave as you may need more time off work, due to your asthma, if you have a cold or virus.
Without the extra leave you would be at a disadvantage to colleagues who don't have asthma.
Your employer should have made a reasonable adjustment in removing the air freshener. You could possibly take them to a tribunal for unfair dismissal.
ACAS will take you through things step by step.
I hope you get sorted
Dear Cal_, thank your for your reply. I have been reading up on Equality Act 2010 as few other members of this forum suggested and didn’t realise until now that asthma really comes under disability. I always assumed that disability referred to mobility issues but I suppose there are lots of other hidden disabilities. I always told my past employers about my asthma and it was never a problem except the last one who refused to unplug her air freshener despite me pleading with her and telling her how badly it affected my asthma. I think what upset me most is that when I sent in my sick note and email about me ending at A&E on nebulizers, the only response was a termination letter 2 days later! They just couldn’t care less. Hopefully my next employer will be more understanding. Best wishes xx
Yes I hope your next employer is more understanding as well as disability aware. Some employers advertise this in their vacancies.
ACAS can advise you how to mention your disability to potential new employers.
Yes some less obvious disabilities are more difficult to notice and understand.
The point of reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act are there to ensure those with disabilities don't have less advantage than those without. For example, as I explained in my last post regarding sick leave.
The Equalities & Human Rights Commission are also helpful to talk to . They have information on their website but they've updated the website so it looks "patchy" now.
This video is by them. At approximately 1 min 20 it explains about medication regarding disability.
youtu.be/-2XZmjzP0HM?si=3ub...
Best wishes 😊
Many of my coworkers will protect me. One night, we had a clogged sink that we reported to maintenance. Someone came and poured a chemical cleaner down the sink and it made the patient cough..... Also having respiratory issues prior to this. Mom reported it right away. Our charge nurse was asked to see the family. She moved the patient and told me not to help or go in the room-she had others take care of it. We reported it.
Again, how rude!
Oh gosh, chemicals used in cleaning products are awful! Not only they have a strong odour and so many people are allergic to them but just think what it is doing to our planet! You are lucky to have nice coworkers.
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