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Epilepsy in a crane operator — DOccMed MCQ

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HardFitness for WorkEpilepsy in a crane operatorDOccMed

A 29-year-old tower-crane operator has a first unprovoked tonic-clonic seizure at home. Neurological assessment is pending; he is otherwise well and asks to return to crane duties because his next job is short-term contract work. What is the most appropriate advice regarding fitness for work?

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Correct answer: A — Advise exclusion from crane operation pending neurological and driving-standard review

Operating a tower crane is safety-critical, and a new unprovoked seizure creates a foreseeable risk of sudden incapacity. The fact that the seizure occurred at home does not remove the occupational risk. The advice should be proportionate, temporary and task-specific while specialist assessment and driving-standard implications are clarified. Non-safety-critical alternative duties may be considered after a separate risk assessment.

Reference: DVLA Assessing Fitness to Drive; FOM Fitness for Work guidance