reasonable accommodation for hot flashes?

fishcheerleader

I have a question about how to deal with hot flashes when they affect your ability to do essential job functions. I have been on anastrozole since July and did a year and half of tamoxifin before that. Hot flashes debilitate me for about 5-10 minutes several times a day. I work as research technician for a marine toxicologist who uses lab reared fish as a model. I am in charge of breeding and rearing these fish. We keep them all in separate tanks, and heat the room to about 80 to maintain water temperature. Today she insisted that we have to start wearing lab coats in the aquarium room to reduce the amount of clothing fibers that get in the tanks. I want to approach her about wearing scrubs as I will be miserable in the lab coat. I already wear sleeveless tops, but have to wear long pants and closed toed shoes. has anyone had any issues with dress codes and work place accommodations?

sbelizabeth

Approach your boss in a relaxed manner and just lay it out there. This doesn't sound unreasonable in the least. You're not asking to cool off by jumping in the tank with the fish.

If she gives you any pushback, get a letter from your doctor and go see HR. I hope it doesn't come to that, though. Good luck.

gb2115

I think scrubs sounds like a nice alternative. They seem to be made out of the same material as lab coats, just thinner. I wear scrubs and the material definitely doesn't shed.

I have to ask, what clothes are people wearing with fibers shedding into the tanks??

flashlight

I bet a lot of your colleagues would love to wear scrubs. They are selling a mix of poly/cotton blend which might be a little warmer, but they don't shed. Good luck to you!!

fishcheerleader

Thanks for the advice. My boss is okay with the scrubs and is even going to pay for them. We study marine toxins, including plastic fibers, so need to wear all cotton. any recommendations on brands?

flashlight

fishcheerleader, Great news!! Do you have any uniform/scrub stores near you? I have found that different brands fit differently. When you find one brand that works for you lots of time you can find them online at a discounted price. The darker the color, in all cotton, will fade pretty fast.

fishcheerleader

I do have a scrubs place close by, will check it out tomorrow. We had a power outage tuesday and the room was down to 74 degrees...felt like heaven!

Lets_Go_Camping

I'm a RN and my preferred scrub brand were Wink. They are extremely comfortable and cool. I am very hot natured and have been all of my life. I never remember feeling hot in that brand, but my preferred style is called “4 stretch" and is 100% polyester. I don't know if that is a fabric your boss will approve, but they are so comfortable and you feel like you are in your pajamas. Wink has other fabrics as well. Good luck, I hope you find a good match