Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the UK, affecting around 1 in 100 people. Despite this, it’s often misunderstood, especially in the workplace. Understanding epilepsy and managing the associated risks is crucial to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of affected employees.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes repeated seizures. These seizures occur when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain. There are many types of seizures, some involve loss of consciousness and convulsion, while others may be brief and subtle, such as momentary blank spells or staring.
Seizures can be triggered by stress, tiredness, missed medication, flashing lights or even working pattern, making workplace conditions particularly important.
How can epilepsy affect work?
The impact of epilepsy at work can vary greatly depending on:
- The type and frequency of seizures.
- Whether the seizures are controlled by medication.
- The nature of the employee’s role.
Some employees may experience no seizures at all for years, while others may need specific adjustments or support to remain safe at work.
Employees with epilepsy can also suffer from cognitive and memory impairments as seizures can disrupt brain activity. This can affect language, attention and executive functions like planning and problem solving. Slower information processing and reaction times may also occur.
Anti-seizure medication can also have side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness and nausea. In some cases, side effects include headaches, blurred vision and vertigo.
Employer responsibilities
Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure a safe working environment, including making reasonable adjustments for workers with long-term conditions like epilepsy under the Equality Act 2010.
Here’s what managers should be doing to support employees with epilepsy:
1. Conduct a risk assessment
A personalised risk assessment is essential. This should consider:
- The type of seizures the employee experiences.
- Any known triggers such as fatigue, flashing lights and stress.
- The tasks they perform, and associated risks.
This is especially critical if the employee works:
- At height.
- With machinery or electrical equipment.
- Alone or in isolated areas.
- In roles that involves driving or operating vehicles.
2. Make reasonable adjustments
Depending on the employee’s needs, adjustments might include:
- Changing shift patterns to avoid fatigue.
- Reallocate certain tasks.
- Installing appropriate safety equipment such as padded desks or anti-slip flooring.
- Assigning a nearby colleague for support in case of seizures.
These adjustments must be agreed in consultation with the employee, occupational health, and HR if needed.
3. Have an emergency plan
Every workplace should have a clear plan in place for responding to seizures. Managers and colleagues should:
- Know how to recognise the signs of a seizure.
- Be trained in basic aid for epilepsy.
- Understand when to call emergency services.
First aid guidance typically includes:
- Staying calm and timing the seizure.
- Protecting the person from injury such as move away sharp objects, and cushion their head if they fall.
- Not retraining them or putting anything in their mouth.
- Staying with them until they recover.
What employees should do
Employees with epilepsy should:
- Inform their employer if their condition may affect safety at work.
- Share any known triggers or support needs.
- Work with their manager to develop a seizure action plan, so the employer knows exactly what to do in that situation.
- Ensure they take prescribed medication consistently
- Keep emergency contact and medical information up to date.
Honest communication is key to making the workplace safe, for the individual and those around them.
Creating an epilepsy-aware workplace
Many people with epilepsy can and do work safely and successfully in a wide range of roles. Understanding and preparations makes a difference.
So, take the time to:
- Review your health and safety policies for medical conditions.
- Provide training to staff on how to respond to seizures.
- Make sure adjustments and support plans are in place.
By creating a more informed, inclusive and prepared workplace, employers ensure that their employees with epilepsy can thrive and that everyone is safe.
Get expert advice on managing epilepsy at work from Peninsula
Peninsula offers independent advice on managing epilepsy in your workplace. Our teams provide 24/7 Health & Safety advice which is available 365 days a year. We take care of everything when you work with our Health & Safety experts.
Want to find out more? Contact us on 0800 028 2420 and book a free consultation with a Health & Safety consultant today.