| Topic Name: |
Help! Do you have this policy? |
| Message Name: |
Have you thought about this.... |
| Date Posted: |
04/16/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
I have worked 21 years for a Governmental agency (four in my current position). Since 2000 I have been experiencing problems at a increased rate and intensity to fragrances/colognes, chemicals, and various smells in our office. I am not the only one in this situation in our office, but the most sensitive. I have asked for a Job Accommodation for a Fragrance Free environment. While I am not asking my employer to become the first in the nation to offer this policy, they are telling me that they do not have a "right" to have this policy, or enforce it. They feel that they should talk to the known offenders (the perfume lingers for a long time after they have left the area) and see if they will voluntarily stop as a courtesy to me. They have been talking about speaking to staff since 2/02. However, they cannot enforce or punish anyone who does not wish to give up their fragrance or retaliates. When I became ill and left in early Feb. the HR person who needed to work on this, was also one of the people who did not want to give up her fragrance (which is a problem for others also), but was working on my accomodation request.
The Job Accommodation Network has numerous listings of various Fragrance Free policies that are in place, but of course the organizations are anonymous.
Could anyone in a Health related field share if they have any "written" policy that they can share? It probably would be best if your organization would be located in the midwest and have approx. 400 employees! My boss feels that I would have to start over at a very small organization, to have this type of accommodation. I don't feel I should have to give up 21 years because some of the newest employees do not want to be courteous, and give up their fragrance. As far as I am concerned my health is not a favor.
Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated! My employer really makes me feel that I am asking for the moon in this situation.
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| Message: |
How about asking your employer to purchase an air purifier for you. I have heard that the personal ones that you wear around your neck work well. Here is a number to call regarding ordering a personal air purfier that was tested by the UCLA School of Microbiolgy: 310-825-4321. The price listed is $119. You can also get one to plug in at your workstation. I can recommend the ionic purifiers from Sharper Image. They work great, are absolutely silent and do not produce a strong ozone smell like others do. They even have small ones that would work great for an area like your office or cubical.
Hope this info helps.
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