Managing Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition in which a person has a tendency to have recurring seizures.  Seizures can involve loss of consciousness, a range of unusual movements, odd feelings and sensations or changed behaviours.

Workplace solutions and adjustments

Epilepsy affects people in different ways, therefore people with epilepsy can be found in most occupations, with or without reasonable adjustment. However, there are some jobs which, for health and safety reasons, may not be suitable for a person who is still having seizures and medical advice should be sought on whether it is safe for the individual to undertake these duties. These include working:

• at unprotected heights
• near open water
• with high voltage or open circuit electricity
• with unguarded apparatus or machines
• on or near moving vehicles
• with chemicals, unguarded fires, ovens and hot plates
• on isolated sites.

If a person’s seizures stop these restrictions may no longer apply.

Many of the impacts of epilepsy on a person's abilities at work can be addressed through appropriate management techniques or education. In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with epilepsy to manage their condition. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, such as:

• drive work vehicles only if medically certified to do so
• if having difficulty with memory, use memory aids such as job task boards, lists, task cards, computer prompts or alarms such as watches or timers
• build in time for breaks at work to avoid fatigue which can trigger seizures
• consider the appropriateness of shiftwork if seizures are affected by fatigue
• if needing to travel interstate or overseas, ensure medical documentation of condition, treatment requirements and medications (if used) are taken.

For people with epilepsy that is uncontrolled, the following may also be required:

• removing sharp corners and adding padding to the edges of workstations along with the addition of anti-fatigue matting or carpet to hard floors to reduce risk of injury in the event of a seizure
• avoid the use of or working around unguarded machinery or tools which could cause injury in the event of a seizure
• avoid working from heights such as on scaffolding or ladders, around bodies of water or the use of firearms to reduce risk of injury in the event of a seizure.

For individuals with photosensitive epilepsy, some modifications to workplace lighting and computer screens or equipment may be required:

• managing sensitivity to light
• Lighting—flicker-free
• Screen filters
• Monitors—flat panel

Other strategies include using professional drivers to assist people who are medically unable to drive and the use of temperature controls to provide ideal work conditions:

• temperature controls—separate
• drivers

It is also important to allow the necessary recovery time after a seizure to ensure that the person is safe and fit to return to work. Access to reliable first aid support is also recommended.

If a person advises an employer of any possible side effects of the medication they are taking, reasonable adjustments should be made to accommodate the side effects.

For example, some medication may make the person feel drowsy for a few hours after they take them, so extra precautions should be taken during that time or, alternatively, the employee could start and finish work at a later time.

• reasonable adjustment
• Epilepsy
• coping with seizures or blackouts at work
• how to provide a flexible workplace
• managing medication at work

References

Would you like more information?

• Managing episodic fluctuations in conditions