Epileptic - can we ask for Fitness for Duty from doc?

Ettelok

We are a small city. One of our lifeguards is epileptic. She says she controls this condition with medication, but twice within six months she has had seizures and the paramedics have been called. These incidents were not while she was at work, but we aware of them.

We obviously have concerns regarding safety. She works on an elevated lifeguard chair, assists children at the top of a high slide, etc.

Can we bring our concerns up with her and ask her to provide a 'Fitness for Duty' with no restrictions from her doctor? If she refuses, what can we do? Can we require her to submit to an Independent Medical Exam?

sonny

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 06-05-03 AT 02:19PM (CST)[/font][p]How did you come to have the knowledge that your employee with epilepsy had a seizure off duty?
Also, is the this the first summer she has life guarded for you/how long has she been employed by you?
Did you require a pre-employment physical?

Ettelok

She is on the City's swim team and had one seizure at a swim meet in a neighboring ciyt and had the second seizure at our city-owned fitness center (while off duty).

Don D

Please answer the other questions. They are important considerations moving forward........or NOT moving forward.

njjel

I agree with the other two posts but would wonder why this position does not warrant a pre-employment physical? If in fact it does not, I would recommend you put that requirement into effect immediately! This is a position that involves not only personal and work place, but public safety!