Workplace Allergy Accommodations Face Legal Scrutiny
A lawsuit examines whether an employer can be held responsible for guaranteeing a safe environment for severe food allergies.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Allergies
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Paycom is contesting a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding an employee who was terminated in June 2024 following repeated allergic reactions to onions at the office. The litigation highlights the legal complexities of maintaining workplace safety for individuals with severe food allergies.
Why it matters
The case underscores the ongoing challenges employers face in providing reasonable accommodations for environmental allergies in shared work spaces. For employees with severe sensitivities, it clarifies the critical need for documented discussions with HR about specific, enforceable safety protocols.
Official legal filings document several instances of allergic reactions between May 23 and June 18, 2024, at the Oklahoma City workplace. The extent of required workplace modifications for severe food allergies remains an unresolved point of contention in this ongoing litigation.
The players
Paycom
An Oklahoma-based human resources and payroll software company.
Katie Jorgenson
A former employee who experienced severe allergic reactions to onions at work.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
The federal agency responsible for enforcing laws against workplace discrimination.
The details
Paycom reportedly attempted to mitigate risk by offering the employee use of a dedicated computer lab during lunch hours and considering measures such as desk relocation, the use of a protective mask, and carrying an EpiPen. The company contends that despite these measures, it could not definitively guarantee a safe working environment for the employee. The legal dispute centers on whether these efforts met the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act for reasonable accommodations.
Timeline
May 20, 2024: The employee began her role at the Paycom office.
May 23-24, 2024: The employee suffered initial on-site allergic reactions.
June 19, 2024: Paycom terminated the employee's contract.
Late June 2026: The EEOC filed a formal discrimination lawsuit against the company.
October 2026: Paycom submitted its legal response contesting the EEOC allegations.
Health Landscape
This case sits at the intersection of federal employment law and the increasing prevalence of food sensitivities in professional environments. It reflects a broader shift toward re-evaluating what constitutes a reasonable accommodation for non-standard, facility-wide environmental triggers.
If you have a severe food allergy, consider documenting your specific triggers and safety needs with your HR department early in your tenure. Discussing clear, evidence-based accommodations with your physician can help you navigate these professional health conversations more effectively.
The takeaway
Workplace safety for severe allergies often requires clear communication between employees and leadership regarding environmental control. Consult your physician to create a formal allergy action plan that can be shared with workplace safety officers to ensure all risks are clearly understood.
Further reading
For more on managing triggers in the workplace, see our guide on Allergies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oklahoman.
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