The work environment poses many possible hazards for people with epilepsy. Most jobs may be made safer with a few changes and in many cases employers are required by law to make reasonable adjustments. Discussing the potential safety risk with the employer is the first step before adjustments in job responsibilities or environment can be made. For example, a banker with a recent unprovoked seizure got approval from the boss to use a car service instead of driving a rental car while traveling for work and an office worker with complex partial seizures that cause wandering uses a sign-out sheet so co-workers are not concerned when she is away from the work area for lunch or work-related errands.

Individuals who obtain total seizure control on antiepileptic medication have no need for safety plans at work. Certain jobs, such as a school bus driver or neurosurgeon, are much too risky for people whose seizures are not fully controlled. These jobs place at risk not only the person with seizures but also the children on the bus or the person undergoing surgery. The type and frequency of seizures will dictate the accommodation needed to maintain safety. For example, an accountant with occasional complex partial seizures that cause falls asked to work in an office with carpeting to cushion the fall if a seizure occurred. Similarly, an engineer with rare complex partial seizures that cause wandering requested an office away from the stairs.

Some jobs that are risky for people with seizures can be made safer with safety devices or other adjustments. Michael, who recently began experiencing tonic-clonic seizures, had worked as a pool cleaner for years and enjoyed his job. After the seizures started, he began wearing a life vest to prevent drowning if a seizure occurred while he was near a pool. Susan, who had complex partial seizures after an automobile accident, had always wanted to work behind a deli counter. She negotiated with her co-workers to avoid using the meat slicer and she wore rubber gloves when making sandwiches to avoid any bad cuts on her hands.

Other safety devices include helmets and waist harnesses for people who work at heights, and automatic shut-off devices or safety guards for people who work around machinery.

A few adjustments to the work environment can make it safer for people with seizures.

Creating a safe work environment for people with uncontrolled seizures requires co-workers and employers to be adaptable to the safety adjustments needed. Epilepsy-friendly employers and co-workers do exist. If problems develop at work, help may be available from the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects people with disability from job discrimination. (Visit the Job Accommodation Network's web site at www.jan.wvu.edu.)

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 5/22/06

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