People with asthma at work

There are 4.1 million adults with asthma in the UK. In most cases their asthma is not caused by work, but there can be things at work that make things worse, even to the point of triggering an asthma attack.
In fact 43% of people with asthma report that their condition can get in the way of them doing their job and more than 18 million working days are lost to asthma each year.

Asthma UK asked employees with asthma if things at work made their asthma worse - 40% said 'yes' and these are the things they blamed:

  • Dust 62%
  • Cigarette smoke 38%
  • Stress 27%
  • Chemicals 19%
  • Fumes 17%
  • Perfumes/air fresheners 14%
If you already have asthma and you are thinking about starting work or moving jobs, then here are some of the things you might want to consider:
A fire engine.

Are there any jobs I can't do?

If you are determined, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have almost any career you want. Until 2004, there were some restrictions on joining the Ambulance Service, Fire Service and Police Force, but changes to the law made it illegal for employers to discriminate against someone because of their disability. Applications are now considered on their merits.

However, this legislation does not apply to combat roles in the Armed Forces, which will not accept anyone who has asthma at the time of applying, though they may consider you if you have not needed treatment in the last four years. Even in these circumstances, the Royal Air Force will consider you for ground service only; you will not be able to join aircrew.

Additionally, there are many other jobs where you might come across triggers that could cause you problems. It’s a matter of common sense whether you take such jobs. If, for example, flour dust is one of your triggers then you may want to avoid working as a baker.

Your employer has a general duty to protect you from asthma triggers. This may not always be possible and, if it’s really affecting you, it might be worth considering another job. Talk to your doctor about changes you can make to you medication to help you.

Can I be turned down for a job because of my asthma?

It is unlikely that your job application would be rejected just because you have asthma, unless your asthma would make it impossible for you to do the job.

There is legislation that may protect your position in applying for a job, and maintaining a job, if your asthma is considered to be a disability. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) (2005) prohibits discrimination against disabled people in a range of circumstances including employment.

Under the DDA it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against disabled people for a reason related to their disability, covering:

  • Application forms
  • Interview arrangements
  • Proficiency tests
  • Job offers
  • Terms of employment
  • Promotion, transfer or training opportunities
  • Work-related benefits such as access to recreation or refreshment facilities
  • Dismissal or redundancy

The DDA also places a duty on employers to consider making ‘reasonable adjustments’ to make sure you’re not put at a substantial disadvantage by employment arrangements or any physical feature of the workplace. For further information on the types of ‘reasonable adjustments’ you can visit the Directgov website.

The key to gaining protection under this Act is whether the definition of a ‘disabled person’ applies to you.

The DDA (2005) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

  • Substantial means neither minor nor trivial
  • Long term means that the effect of the impairment has lasted or is likely to last for at least 12 months (there are special rules covering recurring or fluctuating conditions)
  • Normal day-to-day activities include everyday things like eating, washing, walking and going shopping
  • A normal day-to-day activity must affect one of the 'capacities' listed in the Act which include mobility, manual dexterity, speech, hearing, seeing and memory

It is acknowledged that there is often no defining moment when a health issue becomes a disability. Some people may not consider themselves as disabled or use that term about themselves, yet they may still be entitled to protection against being treated unfairly.

If you are unsure about whether you are entitled to protection under the DDA you can contact the Disability Rights Commission for further advice. Helpline: 08457 622 633

Cigarettes in an ashtray.

What can I do if people smoke near me at work?

Tobacco smoke can aggravate asthma symptoms or trigger an attack. According to an Asthma UK survey, tobacco smoke is a trigger for more than 80 per cent of people with asthma. If people smoke near you at work, the best approach is to explain your situation and rely on their good nature. Ask them to open a window, or smoke at a specified time when you can be in a different area.

If you can't convince your colleagues to help, approach your employer. They have a legal responsibility to ensure, as far as reasonably possible, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees.

If a risk to health can be demonstrated, the employer must take action to deal with the risk. This includes situations where an employee with asthma is forced to work in a very smoky atmosphere that could aggravate their condition. Health and safety inspectors can prosecute the employer if necessary but it would be up to the courts to decide whether the risk to health was significant.

Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers have to ensure that non-smokers are protected from discomfort caused by tobacco smoke in rest rooms and rest areas.


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