Health and safety at work

This information applies to people in the UK only. If you live outside the UK, then more information about epilepsy and employment where you are will be available from your local epilepsy organisation.

The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) means that all employers have to provide a safe workplace and protect all their employees from any possible danger to their health.

The Act also says that, as an employee, you have a responsibility for your own safety and that of your colleagues when you are at work.

By law, you have to tell your employer about your epilepsy if it could pose a health and safety risk, to you, your colleagues or the general public, in the job you are to do.

When your employer knows about your epilepsy (or any other medical condition you may have) they will need to carry out a risk assessment. If your condition presents a risk to the health and safety of you or others, the employer may need to make changes to the way you work or to your work environment.

If your employer is not aware of your epilepsy and you have an accident at work related to your epilepsy, you may not be covered by your employer’s insurance.

Last updated 2 May 2007