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Real members of MyFoodAllergyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Anyone have experience with medical accommodations in the work place?

A MyFoodAllergyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Ashland, OR

Unfortunately my employer of 5 years has recently updated their company policy to state that they will not accommodate allergens without a medical accomodation in place. That's fine - got an accomodation letter, no issue. However at the same time they informed our Union of the change to policy they made it explicitly clear that they considered a site wide ban of allergens to be an undue hardship on the company. They stated they have already tried it "didn't work" and they would deny that… read more

February 6
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MyFoodAllergyTeam

What workplace accommodations can help manage an airborne food allergy without requiring a site-wide allergen ban?

It's tough when your employer won't consider a full ban, especially with an airborne allergen. The good news is that under the ADA, your employer must provide reasonable accommodations unless they're extremely Show Full Answer

What workplace accommodations can help manage an airborne food allergy without requiring a site-wide allergen ban?

It's tough when your employer won't consider a full ban, especially with an airborne allergen. The good news is that under the ADA, your employer must provide reasonable accommodations unless they're extremely difficult or expensive - and you have legal protections here.

Here are some alternative accommodations you could request:

- Designated allergen-free zones in areas where you work most frequently
- Permission to work from home several days per week (a MyFoodAllergyTeam member shared they work from home three days weekly due to a severe milk allergy, making it easier to eat safely)
- Air purifiers with HEPA filters in your workspace to help remove airborne allergens
- A private workspace or office away from common eating areas
- Being excused from staff meals or break rooms where your allergen is present
- Clear communication protocols so coworkers alert you before bringing in your allergen nearby When requesting accommodations, put your requests in writing. Be specific about what you need and why. Your employer is legally required to work with you on this unless accommodation would truly be an undue hardship - which has a high legal bar.

If your employer refuses reasonable accommodations or discriminates against you because of your food allergy, you can file an ADA complaint. Remember, food allergies are considered disabilities under the ADA, and you have the right to work safely.

Consider consulting with an allergist who can help document your specific triggers and provide medical backing for your accommodation requests.

February 6

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