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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

'Period Fairy' supplying painkillers at work

165 replies

NorthernFlowerHouse · 10/10/2018 17:19

Hi all,

Not really an AIBU but I wasn't really sure where to post and I know this is the busiest!

In my work ladies' loo, some period supplies have been left out with a note from 'The Period Fairy' saying to help yourself if needed. I think it's part of a campaign against period poverty which is a great cause and includes boxes of paracetamol.

I'm just a bit concerned whether there might be any legality issues with supplying over the counter painkillers like this- I know that work first aid kits shouldn't contain them in case of allergies but didn't know if this extended to help- yourself supplies.

Does anyone have any ideas?

I just know how kind the lady is who has started this and would hate for her to open herself up to any trouble over a really nice initiative. It's an office environment with no children if that makes a difference. I can't find much online about it and she's off this week.

Thanks!

OP posts:
PurpleOctober · 10/10/2018 17:24

Is it any different than colleagues giving painkillers out to others in the office (when they ask for one?) No one is making anyone take the pills.

Queenofthestress · 10/10/2018 17:26

I'm studying HR, from that veiw point, supplying OTC meds opens you up so so much liability from a business stand point, I'm not sure if she would be liable though

PositiveVibez · 10/10/2018 17:29

We've had to do this in our workplace, but it is strictly sanitary products only. No tablets or medicines.

That just seems like the employer would be leaving themselves open to all kinds of problems.

SputnikBear · 10/10/2018 17:29

I’d say the business will be liable if someone takes the pills and has a negative outcome. And what if someone has a bad day and downs the lot? They need to be removed.

Biber · 10/10/2018 17:30

We have always been advised that giving work mates OTC medications is of dubious wisdom. Most people do it, but against advice from employer and union

ScreamingValenta · 10/10/2018 17:32

I suppose one issue is that the tablets might become separated from their box and instruction leaflet, and someone might take them thinking they were a different type or strength of tablet.

HighlyUnlikely · 10/10/2018 17:34

I've done a First Aid course, specifically for in the workplace, and you're absolutely NOT supposed to supply colleagues with any form of medication in case they have an allergy to it.

Holidayfromreal · 10/10/2018 17:38

I'm not saying anyone is wrong but why would that leave the business liable if someone had a reaction? Presumably it's a workplace where everyone can read and I don't know any adult who has never taken paracetamol so surely it's up to them to know if they are allergic?

Grobagsforever · 10/10/2018 17:55

FFS. It's clearly labelled paracetamol for adults. Of course the workplace isn't liable if someone hasn't worked out they are allergic to the most common painkiller by the time they get a job!!

Honestly Mumsnet is dim sometimes

specialsubject · 10/10/2018 18:03

First aider here. Take them away right now (the pills, that is).

it is not for workplaces to supply medication. First aiders are just that, not doctors, which is why they don't give out tablets and why they aren't in first aid kits.

sale of paracetamol is limited for a reason. And it is 25p a pack. Anyone can get caught out without sanitary protection, so providing that is an excellent idea - but NOT medication and especially not one which is so dangerous in even a small overdose.

divadee · 10/10/2018 18:04

I am a level 3 first aider and the common sense approach is if a person comes and asks for painkillers you say you can't supply them as you are not a pharmacist or a go but they can go and buy them. If they are under 16 but over 12 you can call the parents and ask if they give permission for the recommended dose to be bought and taken.

I don't think anyone is really going to go into the ladies loo and try and take an overdose on the paracetamol left for period pains.

Mumsnet amazes me sometimes with the allergies and end of the world scenarios for some paracetamol or ibuprofen.

whiskeysourpuss · 10/10/2018 18:05

I'm known as the office drug dealer due to having a constant supply of paracetamol, ibuprofen, Imodium, anti-histamines etc... I might use this thread as an excuse to say no - it'd save me a fortune.

I'd reckon most people have had paracetamol before they start working so would be aware of any allergy & provided there's not a multitude of packs left out the chances of any harm being done are slim.

TheHodgeoftheHedge · 10/10/2018 18:05

Threads like this make me so sad. The word has gone bat shit crazy.

itswinetime · 10/10/2018 18:05

I have no idea about liability but surely to open to a claim the business employer would have to be supplying them?

How is leaving paracetamol in the bathroom any different to bringing a cake or other treats in to work and sharing? Is the baker liable of any reactions (as long as the list the ingredients obviously). Or does no on bring food to share anymore? It all seems crazy to me!

I don't see the issue unless you work in an environment open to children or vulnerable people?

Side note the 'period fairy' really? That would annoy me why do we have to try and make it all cute! Nice idea poor execution I think!

Thisreallyisafarce · 10/10/2018 18:07

Not a chance I would take pills left out by a colleague. Work would definitely be liable if someone had a reaction and it turned out management knew about it.

pigsDOfly · 10/10/2018 18:08

I realise I'm completely missing the point of the thread but I'm at a loss to understand why it's the responsibility of any employer to provide the company's staff with sanitary product or painkillers to ease their period pains.

I assume they pay their staff a decent wage/salary. Surely period poverty is something that's suffered by women who cannot afford to actually buy sanitary products i.e women living in poverty.

beeefcake · 10/10/2018 18:10

It's not much different to giving a colleague painkillers is it? And I'm sure we have all done that on occasion.

beeefcake · 10/10/2018 18:11

Also the sanitary products are a great idea, not just for the period poverty situation but for times when you are caught off guard.

FlowThroughIt · 10/10/2018 18:13

Paracetamol does jack all for cramps, kindly suggest that the period fairy puts in some naproxen or ibuprofen or put some in yourself.

Blackoutblinds · 10/10/2018 18:13

I can’t believe some sanctimonious oantronising twat wrote “from the period fairy” on the supplies. If she was any sort of a decent fairy she would make my periods disappear. For ever.

I’d be a wee bit worried about the drugs and check that out with hr.

Fiffyshadesofgreymatter · 10/10/2018 18:15

It is different from giving your friend at work a tablet if they say "I've got a headache, have you got a couple paracetamol" because this is supplying boxes full of them and it looks like it is being approved by the workplace. If someone tool a whole load of them, then the workplace will be blamed. Rightly or wrongly, someone would get the blame and into a lit of trouble.

Remove them and tell the woman not to leave painkiller boxes on display. If you don't want too then get a manager to do it.

whiskeysourpuss · 10/10/2018 18:15

@pigsDOfly not all employers pay a decent wage hence the need for benefit top ups & many women living in period poverty are in fact working

Tahani · 10/10/2018 18:16

FlowThroughIt

Paracetamol does jack all for cramps, kindly suggest that the period fairy puts in some naproxen or ibuprofen or put some in yourself.

Naproxen? Isn't that prescription only??
And paracetamol works with me when I'm perioding

SillySallySingsSongs · 10/10/2018 18:16

That just seems like the employer would be leaving themselves open to all kinds of problems.

I agree.

Poloshot · 10/10/2018 18:17

Nanny state, health and safety where it's not necessary

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