National Epilepsy Awareness Month in November is an annual event that teaches people about epilepsy’s causes and symptoms. One in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some point during their lifetime.
‘In Australia, around 250,000 people are currently diagnosed with epilepsy – that’s over 1 per cent of the population.’ –www.epilepsy.org.au (2022).
The Epilepsy Awareness Month encourages you to gather together with your work colleagues, friends and family and enjoy and host a CommuniTEA.
If your workplace is interested in learning more about epilepsy and how to manage someone having a seizure in your workplace, Epilepsy Action Australia offer education for organisations, (available online). https://learn.epilepsy.org.au/w/services/
What is epilepsy?
According to Epilepsy Action Australia (2021), epilepsy is diagnosed when someone has a tendency to have recurrent seizures.
Epilepsy in the workplace
Many people with epilepsy can be gainfully employed, while others find it difficult to get a job.
Epilepsy is often well controlled, however if it is not controlled, then finding a job may be difficult particularly if there are safety issues concerned.
Disclosing to your Employer
Legally in Australia, you are under no obligation to disclose your condition unless it affects your ability to meet the inherent requirements of your job. The worry about discrimination at work is a genuine concern when disclosing epilepsy to an employer.
If you decide to, you should discuss with your employer any requirements you need for the job, the workplace environment (for safety issues), whether you work alone or in a group and whether you would need any specific accommodations made for your epilepsy.
For an employer to be able to fulfill their obligations under the WH&S Act, they need to be aware of any condition that may require them to change working practices or environment to improve safety. Disclosing can also allow the employer to make reasonable adjustments if you need any.
Maintaining Employment
According to Epilepsy Action Australia (2021), if seizures are likely to hinder your performance at work, an employer is expected where possible to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace. This can include things like changing work hours or changing your role within the organisation until your seizures are controlled.
What is the best way to help someone having a convulsive seizure?
According to Epilepsy Action Australia (2020):
- Stay with the person
- Time the seizure
- Keep them safe. Protect from injury, especially the head.
- Roll person into recovery position after the seizure stops (or immediately if food/fluid/vomit is in mouth)
- Observe and monitor breathing
- Gently reassure until recovered
- Call an ambulance if there is an injury; if the seizure lasts for longer than 5 minutes or if after the seizure ends the person is having breathing difficulties or is non-responsive.