Posted By Chris Hall There are no set guidelines for risk assessment for people with epilepsy at work in the UK. This is because epilepsy is a condition that affects each person differently and any risks must be assessed on an individual basis. Special insurance cover is not required for people with epilepsy, although this is on the understanding that the employer, when allocating work, takes account of the nature of any medical condition. Some considerations for safety and risk assessment. What type(s) of seizure does the person with epilepsy have? There are over 40 different types of seizure. How often do they have seizures? Some people may have been seizure-free for some time. What time of day do they usually have seizures? For example, some people may only have seizures in their sleep, or first thing in the morning. Do they get a warning, also known as an ‘aura’, before they have a seizure? If the person does get a warning, it may give them time to make others aware and move to a safe place, if appropriate. further info http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/employers.html

Posted By Glyn Atkinson My company successfully maintains the presence of a worker who suffers from occasional epileptic mild seizures. the worker uses hand tools and pnuematic power tools in woodworking manufacture processes. This chap is one of our most loyal and hardest working guys, his work mate on the next bench to him is fully aware of the person's problem and keeps an eye out for "tell tale" signs that he is going to be unwell. His condition only usually occurs when he either forgets to take his medication in the morning, or has not eaten properly during the day. He can be out of working action for around 20 to 30 minutes after an attack, but is perfectly ok to continue after a rest period away from his workstation. The whole process has been fully risk assessed on him as an individual with Occupational Health's input as part of a care programme for the worker. This method has worked for us, and with everyone's help and assistance, the worker leads a full working life and is a well respected worker. He has had this ongoing condition during 15 years service with the company.