Mitigating Anaphylaxis Risk at Work

Allergies are a growing concern – both in the UK and around the world. Approximately 44% of adults in the UK suffer from at least one allergy. The World Health Organisation now recognises allergies as a global health concern and predicts that this year, half of the entire EU population will be affected by chronic allergies.

Unfortunately, many of these people may be unprepared to manage anaphylaxis, the severe, rapid-onset reaction to an allergen that can be life-threatening if not swiftly addressed. When someone experiences anaphylaxis, their body releases chemicals that cause their airways to swell, blood pressure to drop, and organs to struggle for oxygen. The injection of adrenaline is critical in the minutes following a reaction, and works like a life-saving reset button, quickly tackling the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

However, studies indicate that a significant number of at-risk individuals do not carry their prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs). Data from Imperial College also found that many patients who have experienced serious allergies have not even been prescribed an AAI. A further issue compounding the challenge of allergies is that they can present themselves at any stage of life. A person may not know they will have a severe reaction until they do.

“This gap in preparedness underscores the need for businesses and public spaces to be able to respond effectively to such emergencies,” said Naomi Bailey, Senior Risk Control Consultant at Travelers Europe. A food allergy sufferer herself, Naomi carries an AAI and has first-hand experience managing the risks allergic reactions can present. “We want to help our clients manage these risks. It not only makes business sense – it’s also the right thing to do.”

Know the risks of allergies

Anaphylaxis may occur within minutes of a person’s exposure to an allergen. Foods are common triggers, along with insect stings, medications, and latex. The immediate administration of adrenaline counteracts a severe allergic response and, in many cases, can save lives.

What to do in the event of anaphylaxis

The speed of intervention during an anaphylactic episode is vital. Delays in administering adrenaline can result in worsening symptoms and increase the risk of fatalities. However, relying solely on individuals to carry their AAIs is unrealistic when many people don’t have their injectors accessible during emergencies. This reality places a moral responsibility on organisations of all shapes and sizes, to equip themselves with emergency resources to manage such incidents effectively as and when they occur.

How Kitt Medical is keeping businesses safe

To address this critical need, Travelers partnered with Kitt Medical, a company that developed a kit which provides qualified organisations with access to adrenaline for use in emergencies. These ‘Anaphylaxis Kitts’ help people treat severe allergic reactions in the moments after they occur. They can be compared to the automated external defibrillators (AEDs) widely available for cardiac emergencies. It’s just like a defibrillator, but for allergies!

Each Anaphylaxis Kitt includes:

• A wall-mounted emergency kit: This clearly marked, easily accessible unit can be installed in strategic locations within a facility, ensuring rapid identification and use in an emergency.
• Adrenaline auto-injectors: The Kitt comes with both 300mcg and 150mcg doses of adrenaline pens to accommodate adults and children. Kitt Medical automatically replenishes them before they expire or immediately after reported uses, ensuring a ready supply of AAIs at no extra cost. 
• CPD-accredited training: Subscribers receive unlimited access to an online CPD-accredited training course that was developed in partnership with Anaphylaxis UK. This course educates staff about allergy awareness and anaphylaxis preparedness, preparing them to respond effectively. 

In the UK, regulations permit both registered schools, and qualifying businesses with occupational health schemes to obtain and maintain AAIs for emergency use. Implementing AAIs can help them fulfill safety obligations and demonstrate a proactive approach to safeguarding people.

Using the Anaphylaxis Kitt

If your clients could benefit from having access to an Anaphylaxis Kitt and are qualified to obtain one, they can take these steps to prepare for integrating one into their organisation:

• Assess the facility: Identify high-risk areas where allergic reactions are more likely to occur, such as cafeterias, food courts, or areas with other allergens present e.g. bee stings.
• Install for easy use: Mount the Anaphylaxis Kitt in a visible and easily accessible location within the identified areas. Place the Kitt to allow for quick retrieval and use during an emergency.
• Keep training up to date: Enrol staff in the provided training to ensure they understand how to recognise signs of anaphylaxis and can administer the AAI correctly. Regular refresher courses are recommended to maintain a high level of preparedness.
• Maintain the Kitt: Regularly check the Anaphylaxis Kitt to confirm all components are intact and within their expiration dates. Kitt Medical's subscription service supports this by automatically replenishing the adrenaline pens before they expire or after use and by providing monthly checkup reminders via their online system.

Manage the risk of anaphylaxis in the workplace

Anaphylaxis poses a serious health risk that requires immediate and effective intervention. Allergic reactions can be unpredictable. This, combined with the reality that many individuals do not carry their prescribed AAIs, calls for organisations to take proactive steps to prepare for such emergencies.

“By partnering with Kitt Medical and offering their services to our clients, we can help businesses provide potentially life-saving treatment,” said Richard Harrison, Head of Risk Control at Travelers Europe. “Businesses can send the message that they care about safeguarding the well-being of all who enter their premises.”

Looking for a trusted advisor to help your clients manage their risks? Use expertise from Travelers to your advantage. Learn more about our risk management services and the range of organisations in our network of service partners.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not, and it is not intended to, provide legal, technical or other professional advice, nor does it amend, or otherwise affect, the provisions or coverages of any insurance policy issued by Travelers. Travelers does not warrant that adherence to, or compliance with, any recommendations, best practices, checklists, or guidelines will result in a particular outcome. Furthermore, laws, regulations, standards, guidance and codes may change from time to time and you should always refer to the most current requirements and take specific advice when dealing with specific situations. In no event will Travelers be liable in tort, contract or otherwise to anyone who has access to or uses this information.