Rank: Forum user 
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Most of the advice available for epilepsy sufferers regarding employment specifies "working at unprotected height" as one of the things that it would probably be unsafe for them to do. It so happens that we have an apprentic plasterer who has recently had a siezure while working on a tower scaffold platform. He did not fall but was off work as a result of the seizure. I am now tasked with conducting a risk assessment and I am trying to decide how to reconcile the requirements of the DDA to the need to keep the employee safe.
In my view "working at unprotected height" would be a situation such as as scaffolder where it is necessary for them to be exposed to unguarded edges while constructing the scaffold (albeit while wearing a harness suitably fixed to an appropriate anchor point) but not other trades where they are working on a safe working platform. I do however have reservations because of the potentially difficult access for paramedics who might have to attend if my man has a siezure while working on a tower or a mewp.
Any thoughts?
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Rank: Forum user 
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I would say that you probably need to go back to basics with this one. How likely is it to happen i.e. how well controlled is his epilepsy? How often does he have seizures (and hope he tells you the truth). How severe are the consequences likely to be – including what would be the effect of paramedics being delayed in reaching him. Many epileptics seem to come out of their seizures dazed but not seriously harmed.
I think the DDA just requires you to make REASONABLE adjustments and not perform miracles. If it does turn out that there will be a high risk involved then it may be necessary to stop him working at height.
Jeni
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Rank: Forum user
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It would be very easy to enclose the sides of any scaffold tower. There remains the time taken to climb onto the platform, which could be mitigated too I would have thought.
Ask what, if any, warning he gets - it may be enough to help with a solution - it may not.
It may also be necessary to consider a slightly higher side to the platform he is working from - the supplier of the tower may be able to advise on that one.
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi there I think you need some more medical information from his GP or Consultant about whether he is now taking medication, the likelihood of a recurrence etc. before you can make a judgement about what he could do and shouldn't do at work. If you get the membre of staff's consent to contact his own doctor this might be really helpful. I have actually sent questionnaires to GPs asking whether in their opinion staff are fit to carry out a whole list of different work activities. Drop me an email and I'll send you some documents I have which might be useful. liz.reed@stage-electrics.co.uk
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Rank: Super forum user 
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There was an article recently and I can not remeber what paper but a prisoner fell off the top bumk in his cell as was awarded £4.5 million pounds as he suffered brain damage.
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Rank: Forum user 
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Just an aside, why would a paramedic need to be called for a seizure? From my first aid training the only action needed is to ensure the person doesn't injure his or her self or others in the vicinity.
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Rank: Forum user
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Some years ago I conducted a risk assessment with a QS who sufered from eplilepsy. We sat down and discussed her condition and what her working limitations might be. Meanwhile, I did some research as there are different forms of the condition and asked her to bring in a doctors note confirming the condition. Finally, I was able to put in some sensible controls, such as site visits only with the site supervisor and no working at height unless specifically condoned by me or one of my colleagues.
The working at height is a contentious issue. The QS described earlier was not a problem because WAH was not an integral part of her role. However, for those working on the tools it is different matter altogether. A good judgement is needed taking into account the variables and wishes of the person. Good luck.
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