employee heath condition

American Metals

I have an employee who is a welder in our fab shop.  This position requires the ability to think and act quickly.  My problem is this ee has epilepsy and the medication he is on significantly slows down his cognitive processes.  He often seems discombobulated and unable to account for the methods and process he uses.  He is a very good employee and an asset as he does what ever is asked of him. He exhibits company pride and loyalty.  In the past months his epilepsy has been a factor as he has had seizures more often requiring his dr.s to change his medication.  This new medication is making his thought process even slower.   My dilemma is what kind of liability do I as an employer have if he hurts himself or someone else because he is unable to react fast enough in this fast pace environment?  

IT HR

I think you have an ADA issue on your hands and you need to start the interactive process with this employee.  Many of these medications say not to operate machinery and/or heavy equipment. 

TXHRGuy

[quote user="IT HR"]I think you have an ADA issue on your hands and you need to start the interactive process with this employee.  Many of these medications say not to operate machinery and/or heavy equipment. [/quote]

 

[Y]

 

Given the safety issues, you can always request (i.e., demand) a cert if the employee is not cooperative.

jonijohnston

What conversations to date have your or his supervisor had with him about his recent performance problems?