Making Sense of Scent-Free Workplaces
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Making Sense of Scent-Free Workplaces
Jan Chappel, MHScCanadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety(CCOHS)
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Outline
What is meant by scents and “scent-free”Reported health effects How to recognize if scents are an issue in your workplace Accommodating scent sensitivities, including implementation of a scent-free policy
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
What is a scent?
Scents are a mixture of natural and man-made chemicals.
A typical fragrance can have between 100 to 350 ingredients.The problem is usually the chemicals that produce the smell
(The Lung Association of Canada)
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
What is a scent?
Scents come from products such as:Perfume / colognesMake up / cosmeticsShampoo / conditionerDeodorantAir freshenersCleaning products
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Is it really scent free?
“Fragrance Free or UnscentedThis means that no fragrances have been added
to the cosmetic product, or that a masking agent has been added to hide the scents from the other ingredients in the cosmetic. Some products labelled fragrance-free may actually contain "fragrance" or "parfum" on the list of ingredients.”
(Health Canada)
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Labelling Requirements
CosmeticsUsed in cleansing, improving or altering your complexion, skin, hair or teethAll ingredients must be listed
Consumer productsCleaners, air fresheners, etc.Labelled for “immediate”hazards only
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Health concerns
Range of symptomsHeadachesDizziness, lightheadedNauseaFatigueWeaknessShortness of breath Upper respiratory symptomsSkin irritationTrigger for allergic or asthmatic patients
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
On one side…
There are no diagnostic testsNot the same as an allergy to a protein (e.g., peanuts or cat dander) that can be easily tested
Individual responses can vary greatly
(Canadian Medical Association Journal, April 2011)
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
On the other side…
Environmental sensitivities are recognized by the Canadian Human Rights Act as a disabilityCanadian Human Rights Commission encourages employers to proactively address issues and to accommodate
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Is it an issue at your workplace?
Indicators include:
Employee with specific concernsIncrease in reports of symptoms (especially after a change in products)Employees are asking for a policy
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
What can a workplace do?
Quick Poll:Does your workplace restrict
scented products?
YesInformally, yes
No
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Approaches
Three main approaches:Case-by-case “Be Courteous”OptionWorkplace wide policy
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Case-by-Case
Work with the person reporting the sensitivity
Many times, they know what products they are sensitive to and can offer solutions
Discontinue use of the product (e.g., air freshener)May be able to substitute for a different product (e.g., floor cleaner)
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Case-by-Case
When another person’s fragrance/etc. is identified:
Explain the situation factuallyAsk for courtesy
Alternative fragrances may be okay“Arm’s length” / 1 metre circle
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
“Be Courteous” Approach
Explain that due to allergies (for example), employees are being asked to restrict their use of scented products.
More of a request than an outright banDecide on the level of action and enforcement
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
“Be Courteous” Approach
Reduce emissions from building materials, cleaning products and other sources Maintain good indoor air quality (ventilation)
Show that the workplace is also taking steps
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
“Be Courteous”
Additional InformationPostersOrientation / TrainingGeneral information sessions
Help from outside organizations such as the Lung Association
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Policy Approach
Make the previous steps more formalAssign a person to oversee the development and/or organize a committee
Similar structure to a joint health and safety committee (or it could be handled by the HS committee)
Get management commitment
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Survey
Survey the workforceAsk about concernsListen to feedback Collect suggestions for actionBe prepared to respond or act
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Implementation
Explain the policyIn writingHave training sessionsHelp people understand their role
Document Post policyState implications of non-compliance
Make it universalApplies to visitors, outside staff, etc.
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Launch policy
Formally launch your scent-free or scent-reduced policy in your workplace.
Post a sign at the entranceways of your workplace to remind visitors and employees that the building or office is "scent-free", and to be aware that fragrances can aggravate or cause health issues for people with sensitivities or other health conditions.
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Review
Let everyone know the policy will be reviewed regularly
Can change because of experience or new knowledge
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Last thoughts
Would you accept a scent-reduced or scent-free policy in your workplace?
Yes, a full policy is the way to goYes, but either the “courteous” or case-by-case approach would be bestNo
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Ways CCOHS can help
OSH Answers fact sheet
http://www.ccohs.ca/ oshanswers/ hsprograms/ scent_free.html
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Ways CCOHS can help
Postersfree PDF downloadorder a 16"x 25“, full colour
ButtonsBy order only
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Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety
Thank You
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Inquiries and Client Services1-800-668-4284www.ccohs.ca