'Period Fairy' supplying painkillers at work

[NorthernFlowerHouse]

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!

Working women actually cannot afford to buy sanitary products? I find that very hard to believe.

You can buy packets of sanitary towels from Tesco online for £1, the night time towel for less than £1 a packet.

Unless these working women are on the brink of starvation I'm pretty certain they can afford £1 for a packet of 49 Bodyform sanitary towels.

£1 for 49?

Does your office seriously not pay its staff enough to buy a box a tampons for £1 from home bargains?
Just an example but there are plenty of discount shops to get pads and tampons. I'm not saying period poverty isn't a thing but is it a big office problem?

My last post was in answer to Whiskeysourpuss* post.

Cross post with PPs.

That wasn't supposed to all come out in bold.

I'd put a hotwater bottle in there and a little kettle.

Surely it's there for women who have come on unexpectedly and been caught without supplies rather than because of period poverty?i know quite a few places do this and the idea is you replace what you use.

This is actually insane . I really despair. You are grown ups, yes? You can manage to take or not take a paracetamol.
Those of you being all serious just cause youre a first aider...yawn! Yes, yes we understand you cant dish out drugs. But woman to woman i think we can manage to take a paracetamol if we need. And if we are unsure of the tablet or dose..surlrise surprise...dont take it.

Do you seriously need to be wrapped in cotton wool this much?
Fucking ridiculous

There was a whole thread on the issue of period poverty a few weeks ago - I'm not rehashing the discussion just stating that it is an issue for some working women

It is not a new thing. Boots used to have a basket of assorted items in their staff loos when I worked there over 30 years ago. As long as the paracetamol is boxed and within the maximum allowed off the shelf I would not see it as a problem,

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.
Yeh, we know. But its not via a first aider, its from a colleague. Irs not like its a reportable issue like someone tripping and hurtung themeslves. Then that is a workplace issue. This is not the same circumstances.

only a hcp or pharmacist should give out medicines.
I would not be happy with this and they are cheap to buy anyway.

Oh god I’m cringing so hard at this.

What ever happened to just asking a colleague if they’ve got a spare tampon?!

Period fairy 🤦‍♀️

Don't know where that 49 came from.

Wtf redsummer? Its paraxetamol ffs

Im cringeing too. This could be the most ridiculous thing ive ever read on here. Not the op but the nanny state brigade of disappointments.

We do this in my workplace - no medicine though just the supplies. We can all afford it, it’s not about that it’s about accessibility, and just making things easier for women who weren’t expecting their period right then. Also means not having to walk the corridor with a give-away bag etc.

To be honest the lady would probably be better off doing a ‘spend a penny, give a penny’ scheme where people put loose change in a box and people are told to help themselves if they need it to buy sanitary equipment or medication. It’s so much easier that way as people can choose what they like.

This period poverty stuff has been incredibly overblown, and the figures quoted are hugely inflated. I approve that it’s a campaign to get the VAT taken off, but it’s massively overstated.

FESus I know. It’s awful twee and patronising.

I used to work for a big bank; paracetamol and the like we’re banned from first aid boxes probably back in the 80s. Apparently it was after a member of staff took an overdose in the workplace, but that might be urban legend. Regardless, this isn’t a new thing, it isn’t dim or health and safety gone mad. Your colleague is doing a kind thing, but check the company’s policy, and if there’s anything to suggest that the painkillers aren’t allowed (other than in your own bag or pocket), have a word with your colleague and get them taken away.

Unless these working women are on the brink of starvation I'm pretty certain they can afford £1 for a packet of 49 Bodyform sanitary towels

What rose tinted glasses you wear, if you are blind to the fact that there are many people like this AKA the working poor

People who are on minimum wage are often MUCH worse off than those on benefits

Open your eyes before you implode up your own judgemental arse

The period fairy sounds very kind, but clearly what we desperately need here is a grip fairy. It's a few paracetamol offered to friends/colleagues, not surprise injections of peanut spiked heroin ffs.

I agree with Knobend. Kudos to the name BTW

Well I get it's less likely to be about money than getting caught short. I don't usually get time for a lunch break and my cycle is currently all over the place.

Perhaps just 1 pack of paracetamol at a time, less than the amount sold.