Ways Employers Can Reduce Allergies In The Workplace [Part 2]

There are different kinds of persistent and seasonal allergies, with a variety of symptoms and potential complications. Good news, there are things employers can do to reduce allergies in the workplace.

With allergies on the rise, it is not uncommon for employers to have members of their staff impacted by these reactions. Shortness of breath, excessive sneezing, and skin irritation are all common symptoms that an individual suffering from allergies can face.

Whether these symptoms are caused an unclean office, they can impede an individual’s ability to perform their job. Additionally, they can potentially result in them missing work.

What Employers Can Do To Reduce Allergies In The Workplace

Employers should work to accommodate those suffering from allergies. One way to employers can accomplish this is to reduce allergies in the workplace. And a clean, uncluttered environment is a good first start.

Part 1 of our allergies series talks about How To Combat Allergies The Workplace.

Here are a few things employers can do to create an allergy-safe work environment.

Get Rid of Blinds

Slate style or horizontal blinds have two functions. While they filter light which is a good thing, they also collect dust which is a bad thing. Furthermore, blinds can be inconvenient and difficult to clean. You could replace these types of blinds to keep your office as allergy free as possible.

Albeit this doesn’t apply to many offices, but cotton or synthetic curtain fabric that can be washed reduces allergy symptoms. Sometimes, replacing or removing problematic blinds is not possible. In this case, make sure that the cleaning staff is cleaning the blinds on a regular basis.

Allergy Triggers

Dust mites are one of the most common causes of allergens found indoors. And they are usually the cause of watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing.

When dust mites eggs attach to fabric, they can be carried into the workplace on people’s clothing. Then, spread throughout the office. They can also get get trapped and flourish in blinds, upholstered furniture like couches, and carpets.

But in addition to dust and dust mites, there are many allergens that could impact those in your office space, including:

• Food
• Pollen
• Colognes and perfumes
• Cigarette smoke
• Animal dander
• Fumes from cleaning products (aerosols solvents, and bleaches)
• Mold

Little Things With A Big Impact

Below is a short list of additional steps employers can take to help make employees comfortable.

• Turn on the office AC during peak allergy season.
• Ensure offices are well ventilated.
• Use HEPA air filters in the office and change them regularly.
• Repair water damage to prevent mold growth.
• Encourage employees to clean their work areas daily. For hard surface, use microfiber cloth or disinfectant wipes.
• Remove certain office plants that provoke allergy symptoms. And the ones remaining should be properly cared for.
• Review building maintenance routines for best cleaning practices
• Avoid opening windows during peak pollen season.
• Clean/remove/repair carpet and other absorbent materials that might collect allergens.

Implementing these steps can help reduce allergy triggers. Furthermore, your workplace becomes a more comfortable environment for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Customized Custodial Services provides a variety of services tailored to any size office. Our services include commercial carpet cleaning, janitorial work, floor care, electrostatic disinfection, building maintenance, and more!

Fill out our contact form for a free consultation and request a free walkthrough today. If you’re in the area, visit our facility.