Usually, epilepsy does not interfere with the performance of any job. The exceptions are jobs such as airline pilots and military professions where the occurrence of a seizure could endanger the lives of others. Laws governing employment may vary, depending on whether you have an established history of epilepsy upon applying for a job or whether you develop it during your employment.
The following work environments and activities may pose special dangers for people whose seizures are not controlled:
- unprotected heights
- open water
- high voltage or open circuit electricity
- babies or young children
- regular overseas tours of military duty
- unguarded apparatus or machines
- moving vehicles
- chemicals, unguarded fires, ovens, hot plates
- isolated sites
- valuable, fragile equipment or objects.
If there is a possibility that seizures will occur at the work place, all staff should learn first aid procedures. The employee may have to disclose additional information regarding specific first aid procedures s/he requires.
