I'm a hardball 16 degrees minimum man myself. Whilst I like to think I'm sensitive to the human condition, I draw the line at pandering. Sensitive to cold perhaps. I don't think "allergy" covers this. And you now have a majority who are becoming "sensitive" about it being too hot. I think it was Spock who said "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few"...................

I take it you are meeting the minimum temps under the Work Place Regs so there is no problem there, there is also no maximum. What medication is she on? Does it have anything to do with her feeling the cold are there any alternative medications available? Should she be off sick? You need to remember that the well being of the majority comes first, perhaps she should be away from work? Have you got an occ health person who can assist? If so ask them about it. Remember you don't have to do the impossible just what is reasonable.

Safety smurf - yes, this is some of the symtoms the person experiences. Swelling, blotching and itching.... Bob shillabeer - yes, we are meeting the minimum temps, the last reading was 24 degrees. Thansk for the other tips, I will have a chat with HR and our occupational doctor.

Lorna never know allergic to cold. But did have a friend who suffered from Reynolds syndrome. Try the following link. http://www.buzzle.com/ar...ptoms-and-treatment.html this condition is know joke - my friend was a fellow H&S person so she did not make any unreasonable demands but was often seen sat at her desk with fingerless gloves! Brian

And who said H&S is boring?

You mention swellilng, blotching and itching, presumably mainly in the skin. There is a recognised skin condition called cold urticaria. This is not an immune response but is a genuine skin condition. I am not currently up to date on treatment for cold urticaria, but will check this out and get back to you. Chris

Having read all the posts on this surely a diagnosis from her GP and thereafter referral to specialist is the way ahead? Yes make appropriate workplace adjustments but I find it difficult to believe a doctor would diagnose "allergic to cold" - further medical investigation required surely.

Hi everyone I have our occupational doctor on the case. Thanks for all the advice L

Dear All Sad but true, I have this allergy known as cold urticaria which is an allergy to the cold. It developed in my early twenties and became the interest of many specialist consultants in my hospital. At the time I was a staff nurse. The problem was in skin exposure to the cold - therefore touching metal handles, cutlery and going out on a day like today was a nightmare and resulted in severe allergic reaction, skin swelling and itching. In the end it was managed by a combination of steroidal drugs used for common allergies and wearing the equivalent of personal protective equipment as necessary gloves - scarves etc. While this was difficult for actual nursing I used to wear gloves for handling cutlery etc and properly dressed for the cold exposure outside. It was suggested at the time that skin exposure to sun could help the condition -so it presented the best excuse and I left the UK working and travelling in sunny countries for the next two years. Whether by luck or coincidence the symptoms improved on my return to the UK. Taking a health and safety perspective you will see from my own experience of this condition prevention and control measures were eventually found and put in place for work activities. For the case in hand I would strongly suggest that the actual causation or type of cold allergy needs to be ascertained - only then can suitable precautions be put in place. The person in question must have some form of diagnosis and be aware of particular triggers rather than the cold in general??? To build on previous advice: 1. Seek medical advice - this is likely to need specialist input and not just the GP or occupational health doctors. Hopefully the person will have already had access to this if they have been diagnosed? 2. Try and find out if there are any specific triggers? 3. There are a wide range of specialist clothing materials that can be used for gloves, vests etc that will provide some insulation and protection for the skin and not impinge on working activities. 4. You need to find out what medicine is being taken and potential side effects such as drowsiness 5. Is there any possibility of severe allergic reaction requiring emergency intervention??? Consider epipens, lone working precautions etc..... 6. Not withstanding all of these form a risk assessment!!!! Hope this is of use and is partly based on personal experience of a similar condition - there are quite a few ones out there!!!!! Regards