Spring is here. For some of you this means the dreaded hay fever season... Allergies are among the top three reasons people miss work and can significantly affect their productivity! 

It’s important for business owners to recognise that they should do some simple things to reduce the overall exposure to these allergens or other irritants.

Hay fever is the most common allergic disorder in Australia affecting approximately one in five Australians from kids to adults. In western Australia hay fever caused by pollen I can start as early as August. 

Causes include pollens, dust mites, moulds and animal hair. 

Pollens from grass I one of the most common causes they can be difficult to see and often were worse in the spring time.

Negative impacts of allergies include negative impacts on sleep, concentration, learning, productivity and daily function. 

It is difficult to completely avoid pollen however you can reduce exposure to the substances that trigger hay fever.

In the office:

• Make sure the office / work area’s stay clean and uncluttered, so they don’t harbour any dust or allergens
• Keep windows shut I especially during early morning and late afternoon as this is when the pollen count is the highest
• Filtered air conditioning can really help employees struggling with hay fever at work. Request that the air exchange system in your building be checked.
• Dust regularly preferably with a wet cloth rather than a dry one this will collect the dust and stop any pollen being spread around
• If you have office plants, ensure that they are regularly watered and healthy as they will help clear the air. However, make sure that the topsoil is removed regularly as this will help to reduce the risk of mould too.
• request that the air exchange system in your building be checked 
• Use a HEPA type tabletop air purifier on your desk.

At home:

• Avoid mowing or cutting grass
• If possible, avoid drying clothes outside this. Pollen being brought into your house
• Where sunglasses to stop the pollen getting into your eyes.
• Splash your eyes with water frequently this will help protect your eyes from irritation and flush out any pollen.
• Take a shower and change your clothes as soon as you get home to remove the pollen from your body. Put the clothes you were wearing into the laundry straight away.
• Keep car windows closed and use recirculated air.
• When possible avoid being outdoors on high pollen days and avoid thunderstorms during grass pollen season particularly if there are high gusts of wind.
• If landscaping at home research the plants that are less likely to trigger your hay fever 
• Use petroleum jelly or Vaseline inside your nose when you are outdoors this helps to trap the pollen and stop it reaching the inner lining of your nose
• If it is possible to identify the allergens causing your hay fever, then minimising exposure to the allergens may reduce symptoms
• Talk to your pharmacist or GP about effective medical treatments 

SWS Group can help minimise hay fever allergens in your office with our commercial cleaning and laundry services. To discuss how we can help call us on (08) 9336 6944.

Sources:

Healthy WA, Health Direct, Better Health, Everyday Health, Webmd