Epilepsy at Work

I understand the challenges individuals with epilepsy face in the workplace. I am here to provide information and resources to help you navigate the workplace environment with confidence.

Understanding Epilepsy in the Workplace

Epilepsy should not be a barrier to employment. We believe in promoting awareness and educating employers about epilepsy to create a supportive work environment for individuals with epilepsy.

Accommodations and Support

It is your decision whether you inform your employer about your conditon, but if you do wish to disclose information about your disability then it would be a good idea to inform them before you begin employment so they can make adjustments to support you in the work place. Disclosing your disability to your co-workers is entirely your choice, if you do decide to tell them, then it could be beneficial to you and your co-workers if you have a seizure-they would be more confident in giving aid if you had a seizure. If your health declines at any time during your employment, your employer must carry out a health and safety risk assesment to determine if any adjustments need to be made in order to ensure your safety in the work place. At the point you begin your employment if you have told your empipyer about your epilepsy and any injuries are caused at work due to your epilepsy you would be covered under their insurance and may recieve compensation.

Health and safety at work act

 

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers have to make sure that all their employees are safe at work (see above). 

To be able to do this, you need to know about your employees’ disabilities or medical conditions, and assess any possible risks by doing a ‘risk assessment’.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) say it is important that risk assessments:

  • are based on the individual’s circumstances, as each situation and each workplace is different;
  • include only factual information; and
  • avoid assumptions. For example, do not assume something is going to happen just because they have epilepsy. 

For some people in certain jobs, their epilepsy may pose a risk to their health or safety, or to that of other people. However, health and safety law should never be used as a reason not to employ someone without first looking at any risks individually, and considering reasonable adjustments. 

Data protection act

If you decided not to tell co-workers but have informed your employer the data protection act states that your employer must keep this confidential unless you give them permission to tell other people and a consent form is signed.

Disability discrimination act

You can tell your employer at any stage of your employ and they should make changes to support you and know that you are under the protection of the disability discrimination act 1995.

Empower Yourself in the Workplace

Take charge of your career with epilepsy. Click below for information about any benefits, schemes, legal advice surrounding work for people with epilepsy.