Safety and Seizures Page 11

Printer Friendly Version Print this page [Close Window]

Workplace Safety

The people at my office knew I had the kind of seizures where I'd get up and wander around. They were very understanding and protective of me. Too protective. Every time I was away from my desk they'd sort of send out search parties to find me in case I was having a seizure. So I made a personal sign out sheet so they could check the sheet and know I was away on purpose and not because of a seizure.

Most people with epilepsy can work without worrying about safety issues. However, some jobs are more risky if seizures are frequent, involve loss of consciousness, and happen without warning.

Jobs can often be made safer with a few changes. Employers are, in many cases, required by law to make such changes or accommodations

• Review any job-related risks that apply to you. Can something be charged to improve safety?
  
  
• Consider telling your co-workers you have epilepsy and the correct first aid for the type of seizure you have. This often helps calm fears and corrects any strange ideas they may have about seizure first aid.
  
  
• Let the local rescue squad and fire department know, too. If they are ever called to help, they will know in advance what you want them to do and how you want your seizure to be handled.
  
  
• Climb only as high as you can safely fall, especially on a concrete floor, unless you are protected by a reliable safety harness and wearing a secure hard hat or helmet.
  
  
• When working around machinery, check for safety guards.
  
  
• Try to keep consistent work hours so you don't have to go a long time without sleep.
  
  
• If you are sensitive to flashing lights, try to limit your exposure. Look away if you can. Use dark glasses. Some people think blue lenses work best.
  
  
• Does stress make your seizures worse? Is your job a very stressful one? If so, look at ways to reduce stress on the job.
  
  
• Depending on your job and demands of the work site, consider wearing protective clothing if you have frequent seizures.
  
  
• Keep a small pillow tucked away in a drawer so a co-worker (who knows where it is and what to do with it) can place it under your head if you have a generalized tonic clonic (grand mal) seizure.
  
  
• Keep a change of clothes at work in case your clothes get soiled during a seizure.

 

---

Disclaimer

This information is based on common experience. It does not reflect the level of risk or need for safety measures of any individual. People vary in their need for safety measures and readers with seizures are warned not to base lifestyle changes on this material without first consulting a physician.

Return to Seizure Safety Site | Return to EFI Home | Learn About Epilepsy