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watcher  
#41 Posted : 03 September 2015 11:08:21(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
watcher

"jobs worth responses", Ian?

Nice
Invictus  
#42 Posted : 03 September 2015 11:19:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

I take my dog to work everyday, but then again I am a Shepard. Don't understand the jobs worth comment. There are allowances made because of the job your in, there are a lot of people who either don't like animals or don't want to be around them.

What if I took my pet fly in and it was swollowed by someones pet spider and so on and so forth. Could I sue the compeny or the spider owner, would I need insurance against such events?
cres  
#43 Posted : 03 September 2015 11:28:33(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
cres

It is totally up to each company if they do or do not allow dogs both views I respect. In a role I had several years ago some dogs were allowed. The acceptance was at the managers discretion it was not a right but a privilege and it was mainly allowed for staff that were early starters or later workers so that it is beneficial to the company that the dogs were on site rather than their owners having to go home to attend to them. We provided a room with air conditioning and a stair gate at the door each dog had its own crate so they could go to bed if they wished and could socialise with the other dogs in the communal part if they wished. No other staff were allowed near the dogs and dogs were only allowed out of the room on a lead. staff were responsible for taking their dogs out at suitable intervals and obviously had to clean up after them. Each owner had to provide details of their dogs insurance which had to include public liability. They provided details of their vets and they signed to say the management had the right to take the dog to the vet if they had genuine cause for concern and the owner could not be found. The owners had to agree that if the dog was of unsound temperament or showed signs of stress or unhappy or did not mix well with the others they it must be removed and can not attend.The number of dogs was kept to a small number and I have to say it worked brilliantly and all the dogs and staff were very happy. The staff never took excessive time to look after their pets they appreciated the privilege and all dogs were well cared for and well behaved. If anything the staff were more dedicated and focused because they were not worried about their pets. The scheme still goes on and its in its 20th year so it works and so if you are sensible, take correct precautions and consider the pets welfare as well as the peoples it can work very well.
chris42  
#44 Posted : 03 September 2015 11:31:29(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

quote=IanDakin]Are people allergic to dogs? Not as many as those who are allergic to dust mites, cleaning prod cuts, birds, small mammals and miserable Safety Managers! How would you deal with this? The same way you would deal with any other allergy.

Ian


I sadly have an allergy to pet hair, If I was to work in an open plan office and was asked by others if it was ok to bring their dogs in and I said no due to allergy's, I would instantly become the office kill joy. Through no fault of my own. Not the greatest of positions a company could put me in. Just think - sorry we didn't invite you to the Christmas party as we could have some pet hair on us and we would not want you to suffer.

Problem is I don't even need to touch the animal, all that is needed for me to touch something the dog has left hair on and it transfers to my cloths, If I then touch that and then my face ( people touch their face more than you think), I then have problems with not only coming out in red blotches, but also my eyes water and it also makes me sneeze. So sorry to be a miserable H&S Manager.

I guess this is something else I should put up with for the grater good. Am I really in a minority? I especially love it when dog owners vigorously rub the sides of their dogs normally accompanied by "what a good dog" ( but that part is not essential) fluffing all the dog hair into the air.

I am curious how you may deal with this allergy in the normal way, I would love to find a cure, other than I have to vacate the premises.

Chris
Invictus  
#45 Posted : 03 September 2015 11:37:17(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

Chris, thought you said you were a H&S manager. I know it's the last resort but have you never heard of PPE. I think you are a killjoy if you don't want animals around, we should allow dogs, cats mice, birds, rats, hamsters. Oh no sorry only dog owners like to have there pets at work as it gives them comfort, relaxes them and makes the workplace a happy place to be. There only looking after are welfare and university studies show this.
Invictus  
#46 Posted : 03 September 2015 11:43:19(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

You also need to ask were will the dogs have their breaks, I know they used to go the break room and play cards and snooker and have a smoke as I have seen photographs of this. Maybe they will just use e-cigs now to keep up with the times. Oh no they won't we want thses banned in work places.
chris42  
#47 Posted : 03 September 2015 11:48:57(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

I think it may be hard to type in a full hazmat suit, though I admit I have never tried. Could get a little uncomfortable in the summer not having any exposed skin. Yeah ok probably not much of an issue this summer.

I'm ok with snakes - the pet variety.

I will admit I am a killjoy, I see no reason or requirement people should be happy at work. I don't go to Christmas party's anyway. Talking to drunk people about H&S is not fun.

My point is people like me with such a problem could easily become a pariah.

Chris
IanDakin  
#48 Posted : 03 September 2015 12:11:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
IanDakin

Hi

Chris42
Sorry you suffer from this allergy. Most companies would screen for health issues post offer - covering off duties under the Equality Act, COSHH and HASWA. This would then need to be assessed and relevant action taken in line with the heirachy of controls under COSHH. That is what I mean by how this should be dealt with.
Similarly, many vets and vet nurses, and those who work in animal research may be allergic to or become sensitized too small mammals. Same process, and follow HSE or industry guidance.
As an Occy H&S Manager that would be what is expected surely?

This would not make you a killjoy. A killjoy would be someone who stopped pets coming into work for no good reason or without explaining good reason to the workforce.

Similarly should opening a bag of peanuts in a workplace be banned even if there is no-one who has declared a peanut allergy?

Jobs worths? #10, #11, #18, #19. The link to the Guardian article is not work related.

A question - if pets at work can be accommodated, and relive boredom and stress, and make us happier, is that not a real benefit?

Ian
stonecold  
#49 Posted : 03 September 2015 12:15:56(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
stonecold

IanDakin wrote:
Hi

Chris42
Sorry you suffer from this allergy. Most companies would screen for health issues post offer - covering off duties under the Equality Act, COSHH and HASWA. This would then need to be assessed and relevant action taken in line with the heirachy of controls under COSHH. That is what I mean by how this should be dealt with.
Similarly, many vets and vet nurses, and those who work in animal research may be allergic to or become sensitized too small mammals. Same process, and follow HSE or industry guidance.
As an Occy H&S Manager that would be what is expected surely?

This would not make you a killjoy. A killjoy would be someone who stopped pets coming into work for no good reason or without explaining good reason to the workforce.

Similarly should opening a bag of peanuts in a workplace be banned even if there is no-one who has declared a peanut allergy?

Jobs worths? #10, #11, #18, #19. The link to the Guardian article is not work related.

A question - if pets at work can be accommodated, and relive boredom and stress, and make us happier, is that not a real benefit?

Ian


Im not a jobs worth. If we allowed dogs in our offices there would be chaos. Its a ridiculous idea. Article may not be work related as such but 1000s of people each year are bitten by dogs. That is a fact. Work is for work not for babysitting your favorite pet dog.
jwk  
#50 Posted : 03 September 2015 12:17:21(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
jwk

In response to th original poster: I worked for an organisation with shops, offices, hospices, and our approach was bring your dog in if it will do no harm and not get in the way. Some people did, and i can't recall having a problem. Surely this is horses for courses? If you're making Xmas puddings then ban dogs; if it's a workplace full of dangerous machinery then think very hard before allowing dogs. So I guess I'm saying it's down to RA; will the dog be a hazard? If not, no problem,

John
Invictus  
#51 Posted : 03 September 2015 12:22:20(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

What really should be expected is that people leave animals at home and get on with the job. I have a dog but would never consider taking it into work unless it was bring your pet in day, along with own clothes day and I still don't expect to bring Christmas presents in when I arrive back after Christmas. This is something we did as children.

I pay someone to call in if no one is at home. Typical animal lovers want more rights then anyone else.

are people suggesting that if you are screened and can't have animals around then tuff no work!
Guyzy1982  
#52 Posted : 03 September 2015 13:16:34(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Guyzy1982

IanDakin wrote:
I take my dog into work, and encourage others who have suitable dogs to do the same.


Will the dog bite? Very unlikely.

Ian



I am very sorry but as a pet owner myself, i come across people like you on my walks that always say, my dogs alright, it must be yours before lunging agressively causing an issue and fight.
What i am getting at is there is absolutley no way you can say a dog is unlikely to bite, same way as a human, you just never know and if you can make all dogs not bite, you should be worth a fortune.


Back to topic, my place of work does have dogs on the premises, however a little different scene than an office environment.

I believe there is a lot that needs to be risk assessed for the employees and dogs/animals, prior to allowing them into a place of work or business, for an office based job (call centre, large amounts of persons etc... then surely this attitude would not be tolerated and is silly to even consider allowing employees to have pets whilst working. A person working in an office alone with a dog basket where no others are affected i am sure can be looked at individually, but as mentioned already, work is for work, not looking after pets, unless of course your role is about the animals.
IanDakin  
#53 Posted : 03 September 2015 13:27:02(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
IanDakin

Hi

Clearly no-one has said "if you are screened and can't have animals around then tuff no work!"

Also the question was not "what do you think people should do at work?" It was about bring dogs in.

jwk is absolutely correct - risk assess.

And as I put earlier - COSHH, Equality Act and HASWA will apply. Just as they do to other allergies/sensitizers - mites, peanuts, garlic, small mammals, and many more than are far more common than allergy to dogs or their dander. You can look up the guidance on the HSE website and in the Asthmagen Compendium.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/asthma/asthmagen.pdf

There are lots of workplaces, like my own, that allow pets, with a procedure in place and a risk assessment. They bring great benefits around stress and engagement.

You can see a BBC article here about research carried out by, and I kid you not, Prof Barker.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17561272

You can also search for The Pet Report 2014 and get information there.

As I said earlier, message me if you want any help around this as I work for a pet retail and services company I would rather send the information privately.

Ian
Invictus  
#54 Posted : 03 September 2015 13:48:11(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

Unless someone applies to work with animals they shouldn't have to be screened. Workplaces are just that workplaces.

There are not many, just looking at these posts that would encourage a workplace to bring any animals in not just dogs.

I do not have an allergy to dogs but also I don't want to go into meetings etc. Smelling like one. If you want an animal in a workplace then go somewhere that looks after them or they are used as part of the role.

I am against, even if it makes people happy and relaxed, there are probably the same number of people in the same workplace would rather not have them there, but it is normally the stronger characters who get thier way, forcing people to accept it, and feeling that if they complain they will made to feel very uncomfortable.

If the question is asked here I will come up with as many reasons they shouldn't be here as a dog lover can come up with to have them.

Guyzy1982  
#55 Posted : 03 September 2015 13:59:04(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Guyzy1982

Invictus wrote:
Unless someone applies to work with animals they shouldn't have to be screened. Workplaces are just that workplaces.

There are not many, just looking at these posts that would encourage a workplace to bring any animals in not just dogs.

I do not have an allergy to dogs but also I don't want to go into meetings etc. Smelling like one. If you want an animal in a workplace then go somewhere that looks after them or they are used as part of the role.

I am against, even if it makes people happy and relaxed, there are probably the same number of people in the same workplace would rather not have them there, but it is normally the stronger characters who get thier way, forcing people to accept it, and feeling that if they complain they will made to feel very uncomfortable.

If the question is asked here I will come up with as many reasons they shouldn't be here as a dog lover can come up with to have them.



Its not all of us dog lovers that agree, i do not think workplaces should have pets.

I have a handful of dogs and would not dream of them coming to work (nor would they be allowed i would add) even though my place does allows dogs (working dogs & only certain dogs and reason for that); a workplace is just that, unless the dog is working i.e photocopying or bringing cups of tea, i don't think there is a place or need.

HSSnail  
#56 Posted : 03 September 2015 14:08:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
HSSnail

I think this thread has now strayed away from Health and Safety.

However it also seams I am a Jobs Worth and a Kill joy because I don't want dogs in my work place - Sorry but I don't like dogs that much why should I suffer your pet in my work place?

No therapeutic effect for me thank you!

Now I could make personal comments about dog lovers but I wont. If you want to own a dog fine - but don't assume everyone will love it as much as you!



Invictus  
#57 Posted : 03 September 2015 14:39:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

Brian,

very paw effort at a joke!
chris42  
#58 Posted : 03 September 2015 15:05:07(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

I think I know how to solve this :-

Put all the smokers in one corner of the car park. Those that Vap in another, Dog kennels in another and those on drug / alcohol rehabilitation in another. Dog owners can walk their dogs around the perimeter of the car park as those in each corner will have a high, but clear wall between them and the dog walker. Clear wall so they can also benefit from the therapeutic effect of the animals ( perhaps some of those plastic gloves in the wall so you can stroke the dogs. Put everyone else's desks in the middle of the car park, so any allergic to perfumes will also be ok.

I was stumped for a while on what to do with the cars as we are now all in the car park. The solution was to widen the building doors ( ensuring we work to CDM) and put the cars inside the building.

Everyone happy, except possibly the MD who will have gone a funny shade of red and what appears to be smoke ( but could be vapour) coming out his ears.

Close enough to Friday

Chris
IanDakin  
#59 Posted : 03 September 2015 15:11:33(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
IanDakin

Chris 42 - is it OK for a dog to Vape in the workplace? And Friday is tomorrow. Wonder if this will run on.
jodieclark1510  
#60 Posted : 03 September 2015 15:28:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
jodieclark1510

Perhaps it's an agree to disagree thread- if it suits your individual workplace then great, and if it doesn't it is equally great. As with all these things it is down to assessment, control measures and understanding. By the sounds of it some people work in places that have got this sorted and that is fab to hear, but not everyone is quite so comfortable with the idea for various reasons. It is just one of those things. Variety is the spice of life so the saying goes!
FHS  
#61 Posted : 03 September 2015 15:30:28(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
FHS

Nice one - CDM, Vaping, Smoking and Pets in the same post.

You only missed out on "Is it a RIDDOR if someone is on a lunchbreak and they are bitten while stroking a pet dog which has been brought into the workplace by its owner and they have to go to hospital and are off for 8 days, one of which is a bank holiday and two are the days they have off between switching over to nights" for a full house of the threads that keep on giving :-)
biker1  
#62 Posted : 03 September 2015 16:14:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
biker1

Well said, Ian, a voice of reason and common sense.
grim72  
#63 Posted : 04 September 2015 08:35:29(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
grim72

For what its worth I dont think dogs should be at work 99 times out of 100 but I guess there are always exceptions to the rule. A lot of the reasons why they shouldnt be seem to centre on the risk of biting, allergies, mess etc from the posts I've read. having said all that many hospitals these days are going down the route of encouraging people to bring pets in to visit patients as it is seen as therapeutical and helps in the recovery process.

Wonder what kind of risk assessment the hospitals have in place to cover the concerns raised in this thread (Im sure there are a few members working within that field)?

I'm currently putting my dog through a Therapet assessment so that she can be taken into hospitals etc to visit children/elderly - I've my concerns from an owners' point of view but can see the benefits they could bring so am happy to give it a try.
IanDakin  
#64 Posted : 04 September 2015 11:15:17(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
IanDakin

Hi Grim72

As with risks in the workplace, as safety manager we do not just say, there are risks, so you can't do this activity.

We look at the hazard, the exposure, the controls measures, any additional controls required. Many workplaces would be able to control the risks from dogs, others would not.

The original question was about formulating a policy. So the risk assessment and looking at the benefits of dogs/pets in the workplace would be a key part of this.

I found a lot of the opinion against centered on individual belief about the workplace and what people should be doing in it. Not about risk and control.
Invictus  
#65 Posted : 04 September 2015 11:35:26(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

Just because they weren't listed doesn't mean they weren't there!

Allergies,
Dog Bites,
Feaces
Urine
Tripping over them
Out of control animals
Dog fights

You then have to contend with other people wanting to bring other pets in as you would have difficulty discriminated against them.

Maybe you could have a rolling rota, Cats Monday, Dogs Tuesday, Mice Wednesday, Rats Thursday, Fleas for all Friday.

I still however this is a case of H&S being used to prevent management having to make the decision.
Corfield35303  
#66 Posted : 04 September 2015 16:28:24(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Corfield35303

A guy I knew used to bring his KC Spaniel to work (his own office) and it wasn't an issue, it was well behaved, had someone else had a problem with it, or if it wasn't well behaved he wouldn't have bothered, another colleague brought his boisterous Weimaraners into work and it didn't work out, just an application of common sense sorted it out.

It was a small office where we could talk and reach agreement rather than a big office requiring rules for everything. Personally I liked having other peoples dogs around and people seemed happier for it.
mssy  
#67 Posted : 05 September 2015 10:36:53(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
mssy

IanDakin wrote:
.

Are there benefits to dogs and other appropriate pets at work? Absolutely - fun, stress reduction, feeling of well being and oneness with the universe.



I get that from sex, drugs and rock n roll - Can I bring those into the workplace too? ;)

Unless the dog is required for work (Dog Handler, visiting a residential home or beagles smoking in a lab) I wouldnt even consider a dog in any workplace
aud  
#68 Posted : 05 September 2015 17:14:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
aud

Wow. So much passion on this subject! Now we must be at the ‘getting silly’ end of the thread, so:
JWK ‘horses for courses’ comment made me smile, and also wonder whether travelling to work via horse and tying it up in the car park whilst you are at work would be OK? (It’s how I was taken to school ‘eeee we were so poor ...’ )

Graham asked what other creatures people have encountered in workplaces (assuming not vets, zoos, farms etc):
In the RAF some years ago, colleagues had terrapins and (small) crocodiles in a tank in the restroom. And it seemed to be compulsory for station commanders to have a Labrador with them (RHIP).

I have temporarily lodged a tortoise beneath my desk on occasion in the office (in a box of course) for the day’s transit.
Corfield35303  
#69 Posted : 07 September 2015 15:19:03(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Corfield35303

mssy wrote:
IanDakin wrote:
.

Are there benefits to dogs and other appropriate pets at work? Absolutely - fun, stress reduction, feeling of well being and oneness with the universe.



I get that from sex, drugs and rock n roll - Can I bring those into the workplace too? ;)

Unless the dog is required for work (Dog Handler, visiting a residential home or beagles smoking in a lab) I wouldnt even consider a dog in any workplace


Work doesn't need to be aseptic and boring, I'll often listen to music if I want to concentrate on something. Don't do much sex n drugs around the office though....
jwk  
#70 Posted : 07 September 2015 15:49:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
jwk

I was once on the wrong end of the attention of a HSE Inspector, though he was a decent bloke and it was all very professional. He told me that he went to work one morning and noticed something in his breast pocket. On investigation this turned out to be a Pipistrelle bat! It had evidently flown in through his open bedroom window and taken refuge in his shirt pocket when daylight came. He put it in a box until he could take it home,

John
firesafety101  
#71 Posted : 07 September 2015 16:04:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

My three dogs are always at work with me, I work in my Study at home.

I get fed up having to get up out of my chair to let one or more out, and then again when they want to come in.

I am disturbed when they want to be fed and walked, many interuptions throughout the working day.

I like my dogs.

By the way Invictus "I know and old lady who swallowed a fly, perhaps she'll die.
I know an old lady who swallowed a spider ............

You can read the rest here.

http://www.timmyabell.co...ic/lyrics/ol/oldlady.htm

martin1  
#72 Posted : 07 September 2015 16:43:12(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
martin1

I hate dogs.
Can I bring one into the office to kick when I feel stressed?
hilary  
#73 Posted : 08 September 2015 08:33:31(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
hilary

Asthma, eczema and psoriasis, my three lifelong companions are not particularly well suited to dogs, cats or any other furry type pets. This is why I don't have any. Consequently I remain fit and well. Introduce me to a dog in the office and I would be off sick within hours.

Get serious - taking a dog to work could have serious consequences for your colleagues, possibly life threatening if they have asthma which is pet triggered. It's just a non starter - has anyone actually thought this through?
Invictus  
#74 Posted : 08 September 2015 08:43:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

FireSafety101 wrote:
My three dogs are always at work with me, I work in my Study at home.

I get fed up having to get up out of my chair to let one or more out, and then again when they want to come in.

I am disturbed when they want to be fed and walked, many interuptions throughout the working day.

I like my dogs.

By the way Invictus "I know and old lady who swallowed a fly, perhaps she'll die.
I know an old lady who swallowed a spider ............

You can read the rest here.

http://www.timmyabell.co...ic/lyrics/ol/oldlady.htm




But who would you sue, the old lady for swollowing your pet fly, or would you sue her for swollowing the spider to catch the fly and then sue the spiders owner of the spider because it swollowing your pet fly. So many questions.

I have just realised it seems that H&S workers are some of the sickest people in the country, with all the allergies etc.
IanDakin  
#75 Posted : 08 September 2015 09:55:45(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
IanDakin

Hilary -asks the question, "has anyone thought this through", the answer is yes. And earlier in the thread this is explained.

The same could be said of anywhere that an allergen may be present! However, in workplaces, we have a duty to assess the risks. The to eliminate or control the risks.

Not only has this been thought through, but assessed and carried out successfully in many workplace. All the offices I work from have pets in them.

Ian
Invictus  
#76 Posted : 08 September 2015 10:14:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

quote=IanDakin]Hilary -asks the question, "has anyone thought this through", the answer is yes. And earlier in the thread this is explained.

The same could be said of anywhere that an allergen may be present! However, in workplaces, we have a duty to assess the risks. The to eliminate or control the risks.

Not only has this been thought through, but assessed and carried out successfully in many workplace. All the offices I work from have pets in them.

Ian


This is different to allergens being present, as you are introducing allergens to the workplace and you should substitute them.

So doesn't anyone mind if I bring in my horse?

jwk  
#77 Posted : 08 September 2015 10:25:45(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
jwk

Invictus, is it house-trained?

John
Invictus  
#78 Posted : 08 September 2015 10:32:06(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

jwk wrote:
Invictus, is it house-trained?

John


Yes, but never cleans the toilet after him. But what can you do it appears i'm saddled with him.
IanDakin  
#79 Posted : 08 September 2015 10:54:23(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
IanDakin

A horse is a different level of risk compared to a dog.

A horse in an office environment would be dangerous, whether or not anyone was allergic to it. In many workplaces dogs, if controlled, are not a risk.

Horses weeing and pooing are very different. You can get poo bags for dogs, but for a horse you would need a compost heap in the corner of the office.

But seriously, here is what the HSE wrote in the Asthmagen Compendium.
" Allergy to cats and dogs has also been
reported, but because contact may occur outside of work it is not often possible to determine if
such an allergy is occupational (Moller, 1990). "
And they do not then make any other reference to cats and dogs.
Small mammals on the other had are mentioned as they are known to be possible causes of allergic reactions in Laboratory workers. This is due to the particular actions of the antigens, especially in their bedding.

I have had to deal with horse risks as well though, but this is to do with fitting saddles.
Invictus  
#80 Posted : 08 September 2015 11:04:51(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

Neigh! I disagree, if you avoid cats and dogs then you are less likely to suffer, but put them in an small area then people will suffer if susceptible
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