The following frequently asked questions relate to medication:
- What are the possible side effects of medication in the workplace?
- Is an employee required to tell me if they are taking medication?
- Am I required to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate any possible side effects of medication?
What are the possible side effects of medication in the workplace?
There are many conditions that require medication, and there are many different types of medication and many possible side effects. Each person may react differently to the same type of medication, so it is not possible to predict every reaction every time.
Some common side effects include:
- drowsiness
- being less alert
- tiredness
- difficulty concentrating
- slurred or impaired speech
- mood swings
- tremors or shakes
- slowed reaction times
- decreased physical coordination.
If you would like more information about the possible side effects of an employee’s medication, have a discussion with them in terms of how the medication or side effects affect their ability to perform the inherent requirements of the job.
Is an employee required to tell me if they are taking medication?
An employee is only required to tell you about any medication they are taking if it will impact on their job performance or safety in the workplace.
As an employer, questions about medication must be phrased in terms of how the medication or side effects will affect the employee’s ability to perform the inherent requirements of the job or safety at work.
For example, you are able to ask an employee:
'Are you taking any medication that might impact on your ability to perform the job?'
Remember that it is not essential for an employee to disclose specific medical or personal information about a disability or medication. If they do disclose this information to you, you are required by law to respect their right to privacy. Failing to protect confidential personal information in relation to a person’s disability may involve or lead to discrimination in some circumstances.
For more information on disclosure of disability and privacy, visit:
Am I required to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate any possible side effects of medication?
When your employee has advised you 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 adjustments may also be required so that your employees can administer their medication. Medication may be taken in tablet, capsule or liquid form, or may be injected.
Adjustments can include the provision of privacy and regular breaks to administer medication (particularly medication requiring injections), or regular breaks for employees needing to eat at regular intervals or drink large amounts of fluid.
For more information on reasonable adjustments, visit: