I'm at my wits end right now. I get headaches triggered by my coworkers' fragrances every working day and I have no clue of any resources listing companies with fragrance-free policies. I've searched on the internet, emailed monster.com, called OSHA as well as specific companies I've been interested in. I've had NO luck so far. I'm extremely frustrated at the importance of something so superficial as fragrance and question ANY tangible benefit fragrance adds to justify its existence in workplaces.
If anyone has any knowledge of web links or phone numbers of organizations that would have info on workplaces with fragrance-free policies, it would greatly be appreciated if you'd share the info.
hi nettle
i don't have the specific information you requested, but i know that in my workplace, if someone complains to h.r. about fragrances h.r. is then obliged to send a memo/e-mail asking people to refrain from wearing it, or at least toning it down. of course, very few people comply, but some do, and it does help.
it is so toxic and i can't believe people don't realize it. sometimes i feel so sick i have to get out of the place. it really is gross.
good luck!
I have let HR know about my sensitivity and they haven't alleviated my problem. Frankly, those in our HR dept have been some of the worst offenders. But I'm very sensitive and even a little fragrance can trigger a bad reaction, so I really need a work environment that is "free and clear" of fragrance.
I have just read your post. I, as well, suffer from sensitivty to perfumes and colognes. It is amazing how insensitve others can be. On the other hand, some people can be so understanding when they see how severe a reaction can be. The ladies I curently work with are so good about not wearing any. I can't see anything changing anytime soon. It seems like even younger and younger children are wearing scent. It seems everywhere we go there is scents. Dressing rooms, cars, restuarants etc. Maybe someday, this will be considered a health issue/concern for those of us that suffer. I hope your co-workers have been more thoughtful. Afterall, it is a type of disability. Asthma attacks can be life threating and scent CAN be a trigger for some. Best wishes!
Nettie, I don't think you should have to find another job. I think your employer is obligated to provide a safe and healthy workplace for the employees. Perhaps, you can get your dr. to write to your employer letting them know about your allergies and how fragrance is hazardous to your health. At least, they have something official and don't think you are just complaining. They would then have been notified of your condition and make sure they don't start discriminating against you either. And, if it continues wihout any change, I would think you can file for workman's comp - afterall, you got sick from workplace.
I have that problem too, but only with one scent........patchouli !
I can't stand it. It gives me an automatic headache, and makes me sick to my stomach. If somebody around me is wearing it, i have to get away asap.
