Latex Allergies

NeuroICURN · Jul 8, 2004

My partner that i work with recently has an anaphylactic reaction to latex. Her reaction used to be just a skin irritation or hives but due to repeated exposure it has become worse. The facility we work at is not completely latex free although there are signs on the door saying "No latex products beyond this point". She loves her job so much that the refuses to change careers. Well the hospital has put her on suspension due to a recent reaction. What is the legality of firing her over this? and are there anyone else with this same problem with latex that might have some advice. Thanks

Well, I too had an anaphylactic reaction to latex...while I was in nursing school! :rolleyes: I continued with school and now, I'm just very careful.

How sensitive to latex is she?? Some people are so senstive that they can't even be in the same room with it. Personally, I'm not that bad, I just can't touch it. The way I handle it is this....my dept. always stocks non-latex gloves for me and if I have to touch latex, then I just put on non-latex gloves first. It's pretty much become a habit for me and I haven't had any problems in a long time. My manager has never had a problem with my allergy and has always been supportive in making sure I have my supplies.

susanmary · Jul 9, 2004

kids · Jul 10, 2004

She needs to contact a reputable lawyer who specializes in worker's compensation. She should not discuss the matter with anyone but her lawyer. Seems to me that the repetitive exposure to latex at her place of work may be the root cause of her latex allergy. She has more options than she may be aware of & needs to see a lawyer now.

I agree 100%

I suspect the facility has placed her on suspension for their (hospitals) protection. If they are not latex free they can not guarantee she will not come in contact with it, if she were to suffer serious injury or die due to a reaction at work they could be sued.

bgibsonlpn · Jul 12, 2004

Well, I too had an anaphylactic reaction to latex...while I was in nursing school! I continued with school and now, I'm just very careful.
How sensitive to latex is she?? Some people are so senstive that they can't even be in the same room with it. Personally, I'm not that bad, I just can't touch it. The way I handle it is this....my dept. always stocks non-latex gloves for me and if I have to touch latex, then I just put on non-latex gloves first. It's pretty much become a habit for me and I haven't had any problems in a long time. My manager has never had a problem with my allergy and has always been supportive in making sure I have my supplies.

She is so sensitive now that someone could walk in our dept that has had latex on and have a reaction.Its not a good deal but the way she looks at it is, if she dies at least she will die doing something she loves. :) WE LOVE YOU JULIE!! I MISS YOU

lifeisbeautiful · Nov 20, 2004

I hope she is currently on paid leave. First and foremost, she needs to hire a good Workman's Compensation lawyer (especially if they try to fire her). Chances are, this latex allergy formed due to continual and constant exposure to workplace latex. It is considered a cumulative trauma (CT). Hopefully, she has been seen by employee health and filled out the necessary papers to file a claim. How is she doing right now? Personally, even if she loves her job, I don't think it would be worth risking her life for it.