To assume someone will be unable to do a job because they have epilepsy is often wrong and may be discriminatory.

Seizures

There are many different seizure types and characteristics. A large number of seizures are very subtle and go unnoticed. In most instances, seizures are not as bad as what people think, and the chances of someone having a seizure at work may be very small.

Both employees and employers need to understand the implications of epilepsy within the workplace and both have a duty of care to ensure a safe working environment.

There has previously been very little information available about epilepsy, and like many other people, employers often have misconceptions and apprehensions. It is important for employers and colleagues to gain an understanding of seizure recognition, first aid and dispel any myths about epilepsy.

Employer concerns

Some employers have a good attitude towards employing people with epilepsy and endeavour to accommodate any special employment needs. Others may not understand much about epilepsy how it might affect the workplace. Some concerns employers may have include:

• Increased sick leave
• Increased potential for accidents, occupational health and safety issues
• Lower productivity
• Higher compensation insurance premiums
• Attitude of colleagues
• Education of staff
  

Often having the opportunity to talk through any concerns with the employee can help to reassure the employer. Our educators are also able to visit the workplace to provide education to staff and any other relevant people.

Some questions you may have:

• What are the safety risks?
• Do people with epilepsy take more sick leave?
• Will working with computers cause a seizure?
• How will colleagues react?
• What to consider when employing someone with epilepsy

Safety in the workplace
Employers have a duty to protect all employees from risks to their health and ensure a safe workplace. An risk assessment should be undertaken in every work situation to cover occupational health and safety issues.

If someone has difficult to control seizures, it depends on the seizure type, how often they occur and the likelihood of having a seizure in the workplace, as to whether there are additional safety risks. Staff should be taught first aid procedures for seizures if necessary.

A large number of people with epilepsy have a warning they are going to have a seizure, so are able to move to a safer environment before it begins.

Safety also depends on the nature of the job itself. Certain occupations are more risky if seizures are not controlled. These can include working:

• At heights
• Near open water
• Around unguarded apparatus or machinery
• With high voltage or open circuit electricity
• With firearms
• Around fires or dangerous chemicals

Do people with epilepsy take more sick leave?
Having epilepsy does not mean someone is going to take more time off work or be less reliable than the next person.

People with epilepsy generally have no different absenteeism records than other people and have good job loyalty records. This is often because many people with epilepsy have good seizure control with medication and therefore do not have seizures.

Also, it can be difficult obtaining a job for some people, so they value the job they have and are keen to prove themselves.

For people experiencing seizures, time taken off work will vary from person to person according to the type, frequency of seizures experienced and the time taken to recover afterwards.

Will working with computers trigger a seizure?
Many occupations these days involve using computers. For most people with epilepsy, working with computers is not a problem and will not increase or trigger seizure.

There is a type of epilepsy called photosensitive epilepsy where seizures can be triggered by a flashing or flickering lights or by certain geometric shapes and patterns. This occurs in approximately 5% of people with epilepsy, so is quite uncommon.

Although sensitivity to computers can occur, their monitors flicker at frequency that often does not tend to provoke seizures. Laptop computers, which have a liquid crystal display, are even less likely to trigger seizures.

If someone is sensitive to computer screens, it is suggested that they sit further away from the computer monitor, approximately 60cm and possibly buy a screen filter to reduce glare. It is important to also work in a well-lit room.

How will colleagues react?
Sometimes it may be necessary to inform co-workers of another employee's epilepsy.

It is important to respect any employee's privacy. Always discuss speaking to fellow co-workers with the employee first. The employee should really be the person to inform their co-workers about their epilepsy.

Everyone's reaction will be individual. The most asked question is 'What do I do?' People's greatest fear is not knowing what to do in case of a seizure.

Most people are more comfortable with epilepsy when they understand it, know the possibility of a seizure occuring and what procedures to follow if a seizure occurs, so education of colleagues, especially first aid, is quite important.

Staff education can be given by one of our educators. Resource kits and first aid procedures are included.

What do I need to consider when employing someone with epilepsy?
As with any potential employee, the person should have the appropriate skills and qualifications for the job.

Most people have their seizures controlled with medication and therefore do not have seizures and are able to drive and function normally. In these cases, epilepsy will have little, if any impact on their work.

It is important to consider and perhaps ask your employee the following:

• Does the person still have seizures or are they controlled with medication?
• If they have seizures, what type do they have?
• How often do they occur?
• Do they occur at particular times of the day/night?
• Are they likely to occur at work?
• Do they get a warning that a seizure is going to occur?
• What are the risks if a seizure occurs in the workplace?
• Are there any particular triggers?
• How long will the person need to recover? (Recovery time is very individual)
• What is to be done in case of a seizure?

Sometimes epilepsy can create considerable problems in getting and keeping jobs due to misunderstandings about epilepsy and the implications it has in the work-place.

It is important to be well informed about their condition and to be aware that:

For further information look at:
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission - Disability Rights

We recommend that you learn about:

What epilepsy is
Safety
First Aid for Seizures

and contact us if you require any further education in the workplace.
Email us at epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au

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