Each EU member state has its own labor laws that incorporate and often expand upon EU directives. These national laws further emphasize the importance of protecting employee health information and ensuring it is not disclosed without consent. Respecting medical confidentiality is integral to protecting employees from discrimination based on their health status.

Respecting medical confidentiality, helps build trust between employees and employers. Employees are more likely to disclose necessary health information if they trust it will be kept confidential.

Only authorized personnel, such as HR staff or specific managers, should have access to medical information, and only when necessary.

The occupational physician plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between respecting medical confidentiality and implementing reasonable accommodations for employees with epilepsy. By conducting individualized assessments, collaborating with stakeholders, developing detailed accommodation plans, and providing ongoing support, occupational physicians help ensure that employees with epilepsy can work safely and effectively. This not only enhances the well-being of the employee but also contributes to a more inclusive and productive workplace.

Occupational physicians are bound by medical ethics and legal standards to maintain the confidentiality of employees’ medical information. They ensure that sensitive medical data is securely handled, accessed only by authorized personnel, and disclosed only with the employee’s informed consent.

The occupational physician conducts thorough medical evaluations to understand the specific nature and impact of epilepsy on the employee. Based on the medical assessment, he provide personalized recommendations for accommodations that address the employee’s unique needs.
Reasonable accommodations should be individually tailored to suit the person’s unique needs and can vary significantly from one person to another. There are no “blanket accommodations” that could be appropriate for every person with epilepsy or seizures.
He works closely with the employee to understand their work-related challenges and preferences for accommodations. The person’s doctor can also play an important role in the accommodation process.
He advises employers on appropriate accommodations that can be implemented within the workplace, ensuring that these are feasible and effective. He provides clear instructions on how to implement the accommodations, including any necessary training for the employee and their colleagues.

The occupational physician regularly monitors the effectiveness of the accommodations and make adjustments as needed based on the employee’s evolving condition and feedback. He maintains open lines of communication with the employee and employer to address any issues or concerns promptly.