Occupational Safety: Managing Allergies

by

Published: May 2026
Reading Time: 6–8 minutes
Suitable for: All employers and employees
Topics: Occupational Health, COSHH, Wellbeing, Risk Assessment

At a glance

Remember these five principles:

  1. Not every allergy is work-related, but work can make allergies worse

  2. Seasonal allergies may require simple workplace adjustments

  3. Occupational dermatitis is one of the UK’s most common work-related diseases

  4. Some hazardous substances can permanently sensitise the skin or lungs

  5. Prevention through good risk assessment and COSHH controls is always better than treatment

Why this matters

Allergies affect millions of people across the UK and can have a significant impact on health, wellbeing and productivity. While many allergies are unrelated to work, employers still have a duty to consider whether workplace activities, substances or environments could trigger allergic reactions or make existing conditions worse.

From seasonal pollen affecting outdoor workers to chemicals that cause occupational dermatitis or asthma, understanding workplace allergies helps businesses protect employees and reduce sickness absence.

Allergies in the workplace

An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless.

Common workplace allergens include:

  • Pollen
  • Dust
  • Mould
  • Animal dander
  • Latex
  • Cleaning chemicals
  • Resins and adhesives
  • Flour and grain dust
  • Wood dust
  • Isocyanates in paints and coatings
  • Certain metals such as nickel or chromium

Some people may only experience mild irritation, while others can develop severe reactions.

Seasonal allergies

Hay fever affects many employees during the spring and summer months.

Typical symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy eyes
  • Congestion
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced concentration

Although hay fever isn’t usually caused by work, outdoor workers may experience increased exposure to pollen.

Employers can help by:

  • Planning strenuous outdoor work around high pollen periods where practical
  • Providing suitable eye protection where appropriate
  • Ensuring vehicle cab filters are maintained
  • Allowing employees to take reasonable breaks if symptoms become particularly severe
  • Encouraging employees to manage symptoms using appropriate medication

Simple adjustments can improve comfort and help maintain productivity.

Occupational dermatitis

Dermatitis is one of the most common forms of work-related ill health in the UK.

It occurs when the skin becomes damaged through repeated exposure to irritants or allergens.

Common causes include:

  • Frequent hand washing
  • Cleaning products
  • Solvents
  • Oils and fuels
  • Wet work
  • Cement
  • Food preparation
  • Hairdressing chemicals

Symptoms may include:

  • Redness
  • Dry or cracked skin
  • Itching
  • Blistering
  • Painful inflammation

Without intervention, dermatitis can become chronic and may force employees to change roles or leave their occupation altogether.

Prevention includes:

  • Eliminating unnecessary skin exposure
  • Selecting less hazardous products where possible
  • Providing suitable gloves that are compatible with the task
  • Using skin-friendly washing facilities
  • Encouraging moisturising after washing
  • Prompt reporting of skin problems

Sensitising hazardous substances

Some hazardous substances don’t simply irritate the body—they can cause sensitisation.

Sensitisation occurs when repeated exposure causes the immune system to become increasingly sensitive to a substance.

Once sensitised, even very small exposures may trigger symptoms.

Sensitisers can affect the:

Skin

Leading to allergic contact dermatitis.

Respiratory system

Leading to occupational asthma.

Examples of workplace sensitisers include:

  • Flour dust
  • Wood dust
  • Epoxy resins
  • Formaldehyde
  • Certain laboratory chemicals
  • Natural rubber latex
  • Some metalworking fluids

Because sensitisation is often irreversible, prevention is essential.

Employers should follow the COSHH hierarchy of control by:

  • Eliminating hazardous substances where possible
  • Substituting safer alternatives
  • Using engineering controls such as extraction systems
  • Implementing safe systems of work
  • Providing suitable PPE where required
  • Monitoring employee health where appropriate

Supporting employees

Employees should feel able to report allergies or symptoms without fear of embarrassment.

Early reporting allows employers to:

  • Review risk assessments
  • Investigate potential workplace causes
  • Introduce additional controls
  • Refer employees for occupational health advice where appropriate
  • Prevent conditions from becoming more serious

What does the law say?

Several pieces of UK legislation may apply, including:

Employers have a legal duty to assess workplace risks, prevent or adequately control exposure to hazardous substances and protect employees from work-related ill health.

Related resources

Documents

E-learning

Need more help?

Managing allergies in the workplace isn’t just about responding when symptoms occur—it’s about preventing exposure, recognising the early signs of work-related ill health and putting suitable controls in place before problems develop.

If you’re unsure whether your workplace activities could contribute to allergies, dermatitis or sensitisation, Harwood Health & Safety can help. We can support you with COSHH risk assessments, health surveillance programmes, occupational health advice and practical guidance to help protect your employees and meet your legal responsibilities.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can help you create a healthier and safer workplace.