Staff nurse and latex allergy

Summary

When a staff nurse returned to work after a long holiday she noticed symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma. She started wheezing while at work but her breathing improved as soon as she arrived home.

HSE investigation

HSE did not need to investigate.

The hospital's occupational health department helped solve the problem. They confirmed that she had an allergy to latex. This gave her a rash over her hands and lower arms and then led to her developing asthma.

The hospital's occupational health department now issues her with vinyl gloves. Everyone around her avoids using powdered latex gloves.

Effects

The nurse continues to work using her skills. The employer provided her with a safe working environment and since then she has not had any problems.

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