Epilepsy At Work

[Tannedbaldhead]

A relative of mine suffered from epilepsy in her teens into her early 20s. The condition was stabilised with medication and she spent the last 20 odd years seizure free. Two weeks ago she had two large seizures and number of smaller absences in the period of three or four days and has been sleeping 15 to 16 hours a day since. She has been refered to a neurological unit for further investigation and has been signed off work with no idea of when she can return.

Her employer has informed her that as soon as she is able they would like her assessed by their occupational therapist. What is the standard practice of companies when an employee becomes seriously and long term ill?

[Keep it stiff]

There is no such thing as a standard practice. Different employers will approach this in different ways and some are sure to be more appropriate than others. You also need to consider the nature of the role, the risks associated with sitting at a desk all day are very different from driving a bus. The employer must act reasonably and whilst your post is understandably thin on facts I would take the proposed discussion as a positive sign. Some employers bend over backwards to accommodate circumstances related to the health and well being of their employees.

[mph1977]

1. It is extremely likely that having epilepsy will come under the disability discrimination provisions of the Equality Act.

2. Referral to Occupational HEALTH and an assessment undertaken by a specialist public health Nurse ( OH) or a Specialst OH Doctor is entirely normal where there is a significant health issue, this protects both the employer and employee and may include OT and /or Physio assessments as well.

[mike9009]

Sounds fairly standard to me. We refer certain conditions to OH nurse for assessment(especially where the work environment could be causing the health problem). The company should already have an OH specialist who is aware of the work content and will be able to offer sound advice to the employee and employer.

I was also diagnosed with epilepsy a few years ago. My employer was very supportive during the time I had the 'bad' fits. I travelled/ drove a lot at the time and they bent over backwards to help me through, what was for me, a difficult time.

Best of luck....

Mike

[sausage76]

I agree as already said.

Company I work for has own Occ Health and a Nurse. We would always send to them and also get the individuals medical info from their own doctor/consultant. Then with help from the occ health person we would assess them and their role.

Decision from there

[Grumfutock]

OK I will be 1st then!

If my employer did this to me I would have a fit!


Thank you very much!

[bint]

mph1977 said:

1. It is extremely likely that having epilepsy will come under the disability discrimination provisions of the Equality Act.

2. Referral to Occupational HEALTH and an assessment undertaken by a specialist public health Nurse ( OH) or a Specialst OH Doctor is entirely normal where there is a significant health issue, this protects both the employer and employee and may include OT and /or Physio assessments as well.

Agreed. The most common triggers for epilepsy are sleep deprivation or strobe lights, fluorescent lights and monitors can be included on the latter type.

The company will just be covering all bases and sounds pretty normal to me.