Nut-free from 9 to 5

Hi I’m Jess!

A 23-year-old Apprentice Graphic Designer at The Overlap Media Group in Manchester.

Starting my apprenticeship came with many usual anxieties, such as meeting new people, settling into a new environment and routine. But for me, it came with an extra challenge- managing my serious peanut allergy within a busy work environment.

Many people don’t understand that managing an allergy day to day can be quite difficult. It is highly important to do everything to minimise the risks that may cause a reaction. Allergic reactions can be highly dangerous, unpredictable, and potentially result in life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

During my daily life, I continuously check allergen information on packaging- this isn’t just limited to food products!  You would be surprised by what items may contain nuts, for example, shampoos, drinks, and flavourings. The most important rule is to always carry an Epi-Pen as it could be the difference between life and death. Packing your own meals and snacks can also be a helpful option when going out, in the event that refreshment businesses don’t accommodate to those with allergies. Cleaning shared surfaces is also key to limiting contact with your allergen.

I have also found that navigating the office at times has been a little complicated.

I first thought that letting my employer and colleagues know about my allergy would be scary, as I presumed this would negatively impact how they interact with me. However, it is paramount in case of emergencies to help avoid exposure to allergens by creating allergen-free spaces.

I also struggled with deciding the appropriate time to first mention it. It’s best to highlight any allergies or potential barriers post-recruitment as it negates unconscious bias during the interviewing process and enables the employer appropriate time to prepare and put into place accommodations. When disclosing these types of information, ensure you are clear, describing the allergy, its severity, and any support you may need.

Declining snacks and outside lunches from my coworkers have also been a tricky subject to navigate, and for this, I’m still learning. I frequently get asked this at my office and find myself repeating that I have an allergy and then explaining why I can’t. It can be frustrating at times; however, it helped me to understand that they might have just forgotten due to their daily life stresses. Maybe you can’t go for food with them at lunch, but maybe you could enjoy a nice walk with them? It is difficult not to feel left out, especially for little things like this; however, it’s for you not to take it personally and for them to remember and understand in time.

Don’t be afraid to speak up about your allergy because I did, and now I know my workplace understands the seriousness of my situation, I feel supported, and they have made the accommodation of a peanut-free workspace across sites/offices.  My employer, The Overlap, has filming days, on which I work within a studio space. This is another area that has accommodated my peanut allergy, even though it hosts the talent and other celebrity guests. A call sheet and risk assessment are shared prior to a recording that includes the severity of my allergy and reads as follows: ‘Please do not bring any peanuts or items that may contain peanuts on site. This is due to an airborne allergy.’ This, alongside clear signage above the door to the studio, allows me to feel no stress about making sure people don’t bring in peanuts/contaminated items.  I do still find it slightly embarrassing due to my fear of judgment – people thinking I’m just a picky eater and dramatic- but this is something I am overcoming.  

The important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t worry! You are not alone; in the UK, there are 2.4 million adults with a food allergy and 21 million people with any allergy. It’s important to stay calm, as allergy awareness is becoming far more common.

Please take note of the below:

Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe place for employees. If an allergy is disclosed and is not reasonably accommodated, the company could be held liable or sued under the Workplace Health and Safety Act. An allergy is considered to be a disability under the Equality Act in the UK, and it is discrimination unless the allergy makes it impossible to do essential job duties.  

Jess Harrison