The next step

To the HSE’s advice on working safely during the coronavirus outbreak

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Hand sanitiser, allergies and health issues

Stopping the spread

From the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the government has continually told us that hand cleanliness will “help stop the spread of the virus” .

So, like many health-conscious employers, you’re probably regularly reminding your employees about hand sanitation; you might have also taken the decision to supply staff with hand sanitiser at your premises.

Refusing to use it

Let’s suppose that one of your employees is refusing to use your supplied hand sanitiser - what should your response to their objection be?

Firstly, it’s important to note that you are under no general legal obligation to supply staff with any hand sanitiser products, either during the coronavirus outbreak or otherwise. Neither are employees required to use it.

An alternative

As the HSE points out, hand sanitiser should only be supplied where your staff do not have any handwashing facilities available, e.g. because you don’t have a washroom (see The next step ).

Tip. However, employers are being encouraged to make hand sanitiser available. This could help reduce staff anxiety.

Objection!

If an employee objects to your chosen hand sanitiser you can tell them they don’t have to use it - or suggest they bring their own. Before you do so, you should enquire as to the reason for their objection.

If the employee simply doesn’t want to use your product - perhaps because they don’t like the smell or your choice of product - that should be the end of it. Nevertheless, you should impress upon them the importance of hand hygiene measures (this may well be a safety-critical issue depending on your workplace).

A reasonable adjustment

On the other hand, the employee may have a medical reason behind their objection, e.g. they have an allergy to alcohol-based hand sanitiser or certain fragrances or a skin condition, such as dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema.

Where an allergy or condition is severe, it can amount to a disability.

Tip 1. In this situation you should consider whether any reasonable adjustments are necessary. This may include purchasing specialist, or certain ingredient-free, hand sanitiser products.

Tip 2. If an employee only experiences mild skin irritation, this probably isn’t enough to amount to a disability.

Tip 3. Don’t tell an employee who has a medical condition, such as dermatitis, to wear gloves rather than sanitise their hands. They could cause other conditions, such as a latex allergy.

For the HSE’s advice on working safely during the coronavirus outbreak, visit http://tipsandadvice-personnel.co.uk/download (PS 22.14.06).