For workers who suffer some type of injury or illness on the job, it is within their rights to collect workers’ compensation. But what about work-related allergic reactions? This is something that employees who suffer from such issues such as asthma want to know.

Workers’ Comp & Allergic Reactions

In general, workers who suffer major allergic reactions in the workplace are eligible for Workers’ compensation benefits to help cover the costs of the medical expenses and lost wages. But before a claim is made, it’s best to know what to expect.

Severity of Allergies

Workers with minor allergic reactions may not be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation. For those who have severe allergic reactions that end up limiting their ability to work, they may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. Regardless of the effect of a reaction, a worker can still file a claim and work things out with their employer and insurer.

Common Allergens

Everyone reacts to allergens differently and some people are more prone to severe reactions than others. In general, however, there is a running list of different workplace allergens that can present potential risks.

Some common workplace allergens may include dust, fumes, insects, latex, office plants, office supply chemicals, perfume, pet dander, and foods.

For those who suffer from asthma, they have their own unique risks to consider. In fact, occupational asthma causes 24.5 million missed work days in the United States every year. From dust to dander, different elements may intensify someone’s asthma issues and can even cause fatal reactions.

Reasonable Workplace Accommodations

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employees with qualifying disabilities are entitled to reasonable workplace accommodations. The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits major life activities, such as the ability to work.

Enabling Disabled Workers

Employers must enable disabled workers to participate and enjoy an equal employment opportunity by modifying the work environment or the job itself. Employers may not have to provide reasonable accommodations, however, if doing so would pose a hardship to the employer. This would depend on various factors, such as type of accommodation, the cost to implement it, and the nature of the business.

Here are some other ways that employers can reasonably modify the workplace to help accommodate those with disabilities, such as allergies:

• Allow employees with allergies to take time off for medical appointments.
• Conduct training sessions to educate employees on allergy accommodations.
• Make accommodations for food allergies at work events.
• Transfer employees with severe allergies to a different location or allow them to work from home some days.

About InsureMyWorkComp

InsureMyWorkComp is a digital brokerage that helps clients find the right workers’ compensation solution for their business needs. Unlike other online platforms, we will help you to work with an agent who can provide you the right solution for your risk profile. Our staff has over 50 years of workers’ compensation underwriting and sales experience, and we are confident that we will provide you the support that you need. For more information or to get a quote, contact us today at (855) 340-9138.