Client Smokes In The Workplace

[loulou111]

Hi ive started a job as a carer in a ladys home. Shes bed bound and smokes. She feels the cold so in her room her window is not open. We can leabe the room when shes smoking. The trouble is it limgers my hair and clothes stink when o leave im having to wash my hair and coat daily. Is there anything i can use to spray in my hair on between washing? Its making it very dry washing daily

[loulou111]

Sorry for the typing mistakes typing on a bumpy bus

[Eleena]

Hi, I doubt anything would work. I would hate to spray myself to accommodate someone's smoking too.

[ummmm]

Dry shampoo?

[rowanwitch]

In any other work place you would be protected. I couldn't work in that situation. I would look for something else. Smoking in bed is so dangerous any chance her family could intervene to stop her smoking although it would seem cruel if it's her main pleasure.

[Eleena]

Neither could I.

[loulou111]

Its a newish job taken me a few months to find this one it will have to do for now i cant see me doing it long term though. The only family is her daughter shes a smoker to.

[AuntLydia]

Tie a headscarf around your head when you are working there. Invest in a pair of ladies overalls as well, if you pay your own tax they are tax deductible. The overalls can be kept in a plastic bag and washed once a week.

[Ken4155]

Also politely ask the lady in question if she could possibly refrain from smoking for an hour or so before your arrival. I know that won't get rid of all the smoke, but it wouldn't be as dense.

[rowanwitch]

If she insists on smoking you should insist inadequate ventilation while you are there. A portable air con, filter unit might help.

[EDDIE51]

Unfortunately, in that situation there is nothing you can do . It is her own home after all. You are within your rights to tell your employers that you will not accept a job where the client smokes. They can not force you to work in a smoking environment.

[Tilly2]

Why are you wearing a coat? Do you not have a uniform type top to wear when you're attending to this lady? Put a turban type top over your hair and leave your coat downstairs.

[loulou111]

Im not wearing a coat whilst working the smoke travels through its a bungalow. Even with the coat in another room it stinks.

[DarceyK123]

Do you drive there? I had this problem while visiting my Mum whos a heavy smoker.

Ive taken to leaving my coat in my car, not ideal i know especially now its getting colder but just a thought.

I do feel for you.