Posted By

July 22, 2008, 7:37 am
Flag as Inappropriate crassus  

  Subject

Educating the Workplace of a condition 

It was recently revealed that the place where I work knows nothing about seizures. An employee had one, management freaked out, and an ambulence was on the way. The seizure was not serious, it was known that this person had a seizure disorder, and the employee did not appreciate the calling of the EMS. The employee refused the ambulence and went home. Human Resources admitted that they know nothing about seizures. From which, I am thinking that that sounds like someone needs to sit through one of those little seminars about seizures, if they exist. Where would one go to find out about those? 

July 22, 2008, 9:08 am
Flag as Inappropriate ken7700 says...

I would try a local agency or if not go online and fine your state government website and they should have some links to help you out. 

July 22, 2008, 9:30 am
Flag as Inappropriate SamIAm says...

They could do some education of course, but it would have to be on every possible condition that anybody could have. The problem here is with HIPPA laws. Those very laws prevent anyone at the business from making others aware of a condition of an employee. The employee can tell whomever he or she chooses of course, but who would think to do so? 

July 23, 2008, 12:48 am
Flag as Inappropriate Patty says...

If a person has a seizure disorder, I think the onus should be on them to educate their employers, and perhaps the workers in their area, on what to do if they have one.

Other disorders, if it won't affect work life, are better kept to one's self.  

July 23, 2008, 7:22 am
Flag as Inappropriate bubble says...

Totally agree with Patty on this one. Tghe employers should have been made aware of what to do if this ever happened. 

July 23, 2008, 7:40 am
Flag as Inappropriate crassus says...

On the contrary. The employer was made aware. HR is not one for listening to employees in such matters. Hence the need for a professional to step in.