Prohibited professions for epilepsy. Recommendations for epilepsy

August 31, 2018, 4:38 AM

Epilepsy and employment: does an employer have the right to fire an employee due to a seizure?

Finding a job is not an easy task for anyone, but for people with epilepsy it is a real challenge.

Dmitry Z. turned 18 in July, and he was faced with the question of finding a job. On the Internet, the young man found a vacancy as a sales consultant in a construction hypermarket in Yekaterinburg. After passing the interview, the young man received the position, but he only managed to work in the new place for only a short time: two weeks later he had an epileptic seizure. Colleagues were scared, and the next day the managers of the hypermarket asked Dmitry to write a letter of resignation of his own free will.

Due to inexperience and ignorance of his rights, the young man quit himself.

Dmitry became an epileptic 8 years ago. His attacks are infrequent and mostly nocturnal. Therefore, this does not particularly bother him in life. However, as it turned out, it is almost impossible to get and hold a job with epilepsy. Before reaching the age of 18, the young man more than once encountered the fact that employers refused him even unofficial employment after learning about his illness.

However, Dmitry does not have a disability. Doctors believe that the disease does not interfere with the young man’s life.

“A person with epilepsy who also has some other intellectual component, mental retardation, for example, can become disabled. It’s just that someone with seizures won’t give you a disability. Moreover, if they are not private, isolated and do not interfere with the quality of life,” said CSTO epileptologist No. 1 Artem Volodkevich.

According to him, people with epilepsy cannot work at heights, on the railroad, or in the kitchen. The positions of driver, hairdresser, miner, geologist and others are also prohibited. However, the work of a programmer, fashion designer, accountant, artist, or operator is quite suitable for epileptics. It should be calm and non-risky, so that in the event of a possible attack, harm will not be caused to people around.

“It is certainly possible to work as a sales consultant in such cases,” Volodkevich believes.

From a legal point of view, an employer does not have the right to fire an employee for an epileptic seizure, and the managers of the Yekaterinburg construction hypermarket broke the law by firing Dmitry.

“The employer had no right to fire him. This is forced resignation. These issues are resolved in the courts, this is a violation,” the labor inspectorate told EAN.

According to lawyers, it is quite difficult to prove the fact of coercion. However, if a person still has correspondence or recorded telephone conversations, then coercion is provable.

“A sales consultant is not a position for which you need to undergo a medical examination, there are no special health requirements in this case. The fact that he had a seizure at work is not grounds for dismissal at the employer’s initiative, it is not a disciplinary offense, Dmitry did nothing wrong,” the lawyers say.

According to them, even if an employee hit his head hard during an attack and was injured, the employer would not be held responsible for this, since such an injury is not considered work-related.

“The employer is most likely afraid of material losses. For example, if a young man is injured during a seizure, the employer will then have to pay him sick leave. And a person with epilepsy may break some goods, this again means material losses and problems,” experts say .

This case is far from the first and not the last, and the law in such situations is constantly violated.

Ekhtiram Sh. from Bogdanovich has been suffering from epilepsy for 13 years, now he is 28. The young man was luckier than Dmitry. He had no significant problems with work, but his illness prevented him from getting the education he dreamed of.

“I was just lucky when I got a job. Employers asked what to do if an attack suddenly happened. I told them everything. There were seizures, of course, at work... The only thing I regret is that because of epilepsy I was not accepted into college. I entered the theater school, EGTI, because I have been singing all my life, one might say. But I was refused. They said it would be a big workload, but they didn’t need such responsibility,” says Ekhtiram.

Now he performs only in restaurants and small concerts. Although the young man does not have a disability either. Doctors do not have a clear opinion whether people with epilepsy can work on stage.

Thus, patients with rare epileptic seizures, who by law have minor restrictions in choosing a profession, are often left without work due to the arbitrariness of employers. And even if you can sometimes be lucky with employment, the range of professions prohibited for epileptics is artificially narrowed by the heads of organizations. At the same time, patients with epilepsy most often do not receive any social benefits from the state.

1000 professions for a patient with epilepsy

What professions are available to a patient with epilepsy?

What is the therapeutic effect of work?

What can a sick person do around the house?

For a patient with epilepsy, work that is feasible and brings moral satisfaction is of particular importance. This allows him to feel needed by society, which has a significant healing effect and gives him the opportunity to believe in himself.

The patient's ability to work is often reduced, limited, and some types of work are generally contraindicated for him. He cannot, for example, control moving mechanisms, work as a driver of vehicles, at heights, in a mine, or on water. In a word, where a situation can arise that is dangerous for the life of the patient or the lives of other people if he has a seizure.

And at the same time, there are more than 1000 professions that are available to those suffering from epilepsy, of course, taking into account their individual characteristics. I will name just a few of them: auto mechanic, auto technician, agronomist, librarian, bibliographer, biologist, botanist, accountant, accountant, controller, mechanic (not at the machine), tailor, seamstress, photographer, artist.

Recently, thanks to modern methods of treating epilepsy, many patients have been able to achieve a state of stable compensation, that is, practical recovery.

I recently received a letter from the parents of Petya K., who was treated with us several years ago; “Petya feels great. I have had no seizures for 4 years now. Finishes 10th grade. He studies well. Playing sports. Participates in cross-country races. Regional champion in football, has the first adult category in this sport. Petya doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t even think about alcohol.” Of course, all this is the result of many years of persistent treatment and strict adherence to the prescribed recommendations.

Unfortunately, treatment is not always so effective. In some patients, the manifestations of the disease are extremely severe, and it is sometimes impossible to stop the process. And yet most manage to help. They study, work, lead a normal life, with the exception of some restrictions.

Of the total number of patients registered in dispensaries, 50 - 60% work in enterprises and institutions. The use of effective medications has significantly improved the prognosis of the disease. expand the ability of patients to work. On the other hand, work activity helps to consolidate the therapeutic effect.

The therapeutic effect of work is manifested in the fact that in a person engaged in an interesting activity, new dominants are formed in the brain - foci of excitation that neutralize the effect of other dominants, including pathological ones. In particular, the activity of the focus, which plays a significant role in the development of epileptic seizures, is suppressed. Long-term observations show that in working patients, seizures occur less frequently during the waking period than in non-working patients.

In educational institutions and at work, our patients try to be equal to healthy people in their relationships with others. Thus, such characteristic painful manifestations as increased irritability, excessive excitability, and selfishness are smoothed out.

In the process of work, volitional qualities are also developed: endurance, self-control, the ability to overcome difficulties, which is also important in the fight against illness.

I should note that most people suffering from epilepsy are hardworking and careful, thanks to which they do their work, although somewhat slowly, but efficiently and conscientiously. Therefore, they are especially recommended for such types of work that require accuracy and scrupulousness, for example, the work of a bookkeeper, accountant, standard setter.

In the process of study and work, the patient is distracted from his painful experiences, which has a beneficial effect on his condition. And it is very important for those around him to help him gain faith in recovery with a friendly attitude and the creation of a favorable psychological atmosphere. And if a patient suddenly has a seizure, this is not a reason to remove him from work, unless, of course, it is contraindicated for epilepsy.

But in cases where the disease worsens, seizures become more frequent and become more severe, it is advisable for the patient to change work to an easier one, with a less stressful rhythm. A loader, for example, can fully cope with the duties of a packer, packer, and timekeeper. Students are granted academic leave during this period.

Thus, the type of work, its specificity, and the length of the working day are determined for each patient strictly individually by the attending physician, depending on the characteristics of the disease.

The patient is able to perform household chores such as buying groceries, preparing simple meals, washing dishes, setting the table, and cleaning the apartment. But if seizures begin suddenly, occur with convulsions or relaxation of muscles, if they are often repeated, then such a person should not cook food, iron clothes, wash windows, and should not be left alone near a gas stove or electrical appliances that are turned on.

A.I. Boldyrev, professor.

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Epilepsy is a disease with seizures during which a person cannot control what happens to him. The cause of the disease has not yet been determined. A person with epilepsy should not be alone during an attack, as he is not able to cope with the attack on his own.

It is important for people suffering from epilepsy to maintain a daily routine. They need full sleep, and its rhythm cannot be disturbed. Can provoke another attack abrupt awakenings.

A person with such a disease should study the operating hours of the institution where he is going to work.

Work and rest times must be correctly alternated throughout the day, eliminating not only physical, but also mental stress on the body.

Do I need to follow a certain diet?

Patients with epilepsy should eat well. The amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients must be balanced. There are no products that would be contraindicated with this diagnosis. A special diet is not recommended for epileptics.

What safety measures need to be followed

If the attacks do not go away completely, you need to take care to follow some safety rules.

1. Don't be on top. If such a need arises, you need insurance.
2. Do not stand on the edge of a railway platform, on the roof of a high-rise building, etc.
3. Move away from open fires and fires.
4. Stay near the reservoir only if accompanied by a loved one.

In all other cases, those suffering from this disease can lead a full active lifestyle.

Who should the patient tell about his illness?

Colleagues should know that they have a person with epilepsy working with them. This will help provide timely qualified assistance during the next attack. This information should not be hidden from the employer. The boss will sooner or later find out about everything himself, which will lead to negative consequences, including dismissal.

Learning and epilepsy

For epilepsy, mental and physical activity is recommended. The dosage of these loads is the main condition for epilepsy. 90% of children with this diagnosis go to kindergartens, study in schools and subsequently receive vocational education. Music lessons, painting classes and foreign languages ​​have a beneficial effect on the child’s mental state.

Such children are sometimes isolated from society and lead a secluded lifestyle. Playing sports will help a child with epilepsy increase self-esteem and gain the respect of others. It is recommended to follow the restrictions that the doctor will tell you about. He monitors the child’s condition and knows what loads are acceptable for the patient’s body.

All staff at a kindergarten, school or college should know how to provide first aid during an attack. Children with epilepsy can learn as well as their classmates.

However, studying is difficult for them, since mental activity after attacks is reduced.

Order of the Ministry of Health No. 302n contains a list of diseases for which it is impossible to obtain a driver’s license. Epilepsy is on this list.

Driving a car requires concentration and the ability to react quickly in any situation. A patient with epilepsy may lose consciousness during an attack, the body stops listening to him, and it is difficult for a person to control his arms and legs. The steering wheel, gas and brake pedals work chaotically during a seizure. In severe cases of the disease, hallucinations appear. The situation can become traumatic for the person driving and for those around him.

In some cases, patients with epilepsy are allowed to drive vehicles, provided that:

1. a personal car is not used for transporting passengers;
2. the patient is constantly monitored by a specialist;
3. The last attack was more than 5 years ago.

Patients with epilepsy have the right to study, and they should be enrolled in vocational colleges without restrictions, as in secondary schools.

Schooling

Parents register their child, who is being seen by a neurologist or epileptologist, for school under certain conditions. First of all, not only the management of the educational institution, but also the teaching staff and technical staff should know about the disease. The child does not have developmental disabilities, and his behavior will not distract the teacher and classmates from the educational process.

If one of the described conditions is violated, it is better to place the child in a correctional class. What school a child with epilepsy should attend is decided by a qualified commission consisting of psychologists, medical workers and teachers.

Children with epilepsy are socially safe and, if they wish, have every right to study in colleges and institutes; they should not depend on their illness. A diagnosis is not an indicator for refusal of education; everything will depend on the child’s development.

Computer and TV

Flashing light at different frequencies, watching television programs, light music and computer games provoke attacks. Limiting TV viewing and computer use is possible and necessary.

Natural phenomena that can provoke attacks are not subject to restrictions. They can be sparks of snow in the light, reflections of water.

If you deprive children of playing on the computer and watching their favorite cartoons, you can cause psychological trauma. But you can teach your child to follow the rules:

• TV only 1 hour a day;
• distance from the screen or monitor - at least 2 m;
• mandatory additional lighting;
• the TV screen should be small and the image should be in color;
• exclude viewing if the child is very tired.

Children should not be deprived of the opportunity to work on a computer, because time requires skills in working with new technologies. A computer can become a means of professional implementation when working from home.

Children master program material in many subjects using a computer and educational games. A new opportunity to communicate with peers will appear.

When working with a computer, you need to take a break for 10-15 minutes after half an hour of work. At this time, the eyes rest. The child should be at a distance of 70 cm from the monitor. It is necessary to exclude glare from windows and lighting fixtures, which cannot be turned off when working with a computer. Contraindications for working with a computer include poor sleep the night before and child fatigue.

Employment with epilepsy

A person cannot exist without work, without satisfaction from the process of his work. People with epilepsy have the right to employment. The limitations of this diagnosis are related to the characteristics of the disease.

Permitted types of work provide non-traumatic conditions both for the epileptic himself and for the people who are near him during an attack.

When hiring a person who must be under constant supervision, he should carefully consider the responsibilities specified in the contract, inspect the workplace, and communicate with team members. A patient with epilepsy can work on an equal basis with healthy people if he follows all safety rules, which are separately discussed with the head of the institution. Safety precautions in the workplace must be memorized and followed exactly.

Work for people with epilepsy should not involve chemicals. Activities related to mechanisms in constant motion are strictly prohibited; for example, patients cannot be placed on a conveyor belt. It is not recommended for such people to work with fragile items of particular value.

How to choose the right profession

It is difficult to choose specialties that fully correspond to the desires and capabilities of the patient. Much depends on the severity of the disease. If the condition of not disturbing adequate sleep and nutrition is met, shift work is acceptable. A diagnosis should not be an obstacle to a person’s desire to work and benefit from his work.

Who should not work with epilepsy?

There is a list of specialties that are not only not recommended for patients with epilepsy, but also prohibited:

• professions related to work at height, electricity, animal husbandry, different types of machines;
• builder, mechanic, cook, salesman, hairdresser, jeweler, miner, geologist.

The list doesn't end there. It may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the patient.

What an employer needs to know

An employer should know as much as possible about the person they hire. If seizures occur, the boss needs to know how to provide first aid for epilepsy. The patient should be told how his attacks progress, and be sure to notify whether there are disturbances of consciousness. This will help avoid conflict and health-threatening situations.

For a person who often has seizures, it is not advisable to choose a specialty as a builder or steeplejack. But what are the general restrictions on employing people with epilepsy?
First of all, there are legal restrictions on driving vehicles, which are discussed in detail on the website. This excludes the possibility of working as, for example, a traveling agent, but all regulations also have a broad interpretation, making it difficult to travel to work, especially in rural areas, no matter how suitable this work may be.

Driving is the most obvious activity through which someone with epilepsy can cause harm to themselves or others during a seizure. But there are other types of work activities associated with the employee’s high personal responsibility to other people. They should not be used by persons with uncontrolled seizures. Surgery and nursing are the most obvious examples among the medical specialties. Other examples include the professions of pilot, bus driver, train driver, large vehicle driver, crane operator, switchman and merchant marine sailor. The armed forces, fire services, emergency services and police also do not hire people with persistent seizures.

Other specialties do not pose a real risk to others in the event of a seizure, but there is a serious risk of injury or death to the person with epilepsy. Avoid working with heavy moving equipment, including agricultural machinery, near conveyors, at heights, especially in the construction and energy industries, and underground and under water. No matter how much a person with epilepsy strives to make his way in life, it is unfair for him to burden his employer with liability if there is a significant risk of injury or death at work.

One of the nagging questions that people with infrequent seizures must ask themselves is whether they should tell a potential employer about their condition. Undoubtedly, it is best to do this, since the employer can take into account all, even the most minor, dangers that the hiree may not be aware of. Sometimes an employer can ignore a rare but unexpected absence from work and help a patient during a seizure in the workplace, being familiar with the situation. However, the fact of the matter is that many employers refuse those patients who have seizures rarely and at long intervals, or those who have not had them for several years, and the work entails virtually no risk either for the person with epilepsy or for those around you.

We believe that studying public opinion regarding attitudes towards people with epilepsy is pointless as long as potential employers, in response to interviewers' questions, give favorable information about the employment of hypothetical epileptic applicants, because they want to make a good impression and look modern. However, it is the actual hiring and firing behavior of employers that matters.

A more reliable estimate of the degree of prejudice against people with epilepsy can be obtained by sending two attractive young people with the same qualifications to 100 agencies that have advertised a job, such as a secretary. In 50% of interviews, each applicant would indicate that they suffer from a mild and manageable form of epilepsy. The number of jobs that could be hired with and without this information would be a sufficient measure of bias toward hiring people with epilepsy. Unfortunately, such a study would be unethical because it would waste the time and other resources of employers. However, we would be happy to know the result!

People with epilepsy have an intuitive sense of what kind of answer they are likely to receive in an interview. One study in London of people with epilepsy found that more than half of those who managed to work full-time in two or more places after being diagnosed with epilepsy always hid their illness from employers, and only one in ten always disclosed it. . Moreover, if job applicants had seizures rarely or at night and they believed that they could hide their illness, the employer was almost never told anything about it. Without condemning or encouraging concealment of the truth, we believe that the relative success of such practices can be judged by the fact that 74% of working-age men with epilepsy were working at the time of this study, compared with 81% of male workers in the same age group in the general population. Great Britain.

Regardless of your position on the issue of concealing your illness, it is easier for job applicants to succeed if they are guided by general rules: you need to carefully write a job application, carefully read the expected responsibilities, get information about the employer, make a good impression during interviews, demonstrating your knowledge and skills, and convincing the employer of your desire to work well. It is absolutely unacceptable, after repeated refusals, to behave defiantly in front of the employer, as if telling him: “I suffer from epilepsy, and you do not, so you must hire me.” We have observed patients with seizures who behave in such an unseemly manner that they give the impression that they are not very interested in finding a job.

Of course, getting a job is just the first step. Most of us want to advance in our careers to the best of our energy and abilities, and here again epilepsy (even if well controlled) often reduces life chances. It is quite difficult to estimate the frequency of cases in which fully qualified workers were delayed in promotion. One study found that layoff rates increased approximately 6-fold after a diagnosis of epilepsy.

There is another, less visible reason that epilepsy can make it difficult to get hired and advance. Due to fear of refusal to hire or fear of dismissal, despite a strong position and the absence of any dissatisfaction on the part of the employer, patients with epilepsy themselves sometimes deprive themselves of the chances of improving their situation. Just as an employer can be prejudiced against “epileptics,” so people suffering from this disease can be prejudiced against “employers”, believing that they all lack understanding.

Young people with epilepsy can have good career opportunities in small organizations, where rules governing hiring, sick leave, insurance and pensions are more flexible than, for example, government agencies.

One study found that if you have frequent seizures, you might expect it to be much more difficult to hold down a job. According to the results of this study, 1/3 of the unemployed had generalized attacks once a month or more often, while only 2% of the employed had them with the same frequency. A similar ratio was observed for people suffering from partial seizures. In addition to the frequency of seizures, the other main obstacle to getting a job is the lack of a specialty. As one study showed (and its results could be predicted), almost all patients who had frequent seizures and no specialty were unemployed. It is in this case that advice from a specialist from an employment agency is required.