|
Safety and Seizures |
Page 11 |
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.
 |
