Traumatic Brain Injury on Construction Workers

Traumatic Brain Injury on Construction Workers

Traumatic brain injuries occur due to a variety of reasons. For construction workers, the risk of experiencing one is significantly elevated. One reason that they may occur is due to falling. All too often, falls at the construction site occur because of a lack of training or safety. The cost over one’s lifespan of a TBI can range from $85,000 to $3 million.[1]

Tips that construction workers must follow to avoid traumatic brain injury include:

1. Providing Proper Equipment Safety equipment such as “hard hats, protective eyeglasses, safety-toed footwear, and gloves” are basics that should be worn appropriately. Using ladders that are up to code and following safety protocols when using ladders can reduce the risk of injury.[2]
2. Ensuring the Safety of the Work Site Using safety harnesses such as guardrails can prevent falls. Knowing the locations of cords and objects on the ground may prevent trips. [3] “Materials that are loose”, such as ladders, or “stored at a height”, should be secured to prevent a concussion.[4]
3. Training EmployeesUnstable work surfaces are hazardous, and teaching employees on how to maximize the comfortability of your workspace is essential. Providing basics such as how to use equipment and machinery according to code is part of the process.[5] For example, letting operators of heavy equipment know that you are there, or “walking behind moving equipment”.[6]
4. Ensuring the Work Site is Ready to be UsedCleaning debris and clutter should provide more room for workers to maneuver. Inspecting the site before use is essential. Placing heavy objects close to the floor can prevent an impact with these objects.[7]

In addition to these steps, falls are not the only way that construction workers may experience traumatic brain injury. Getting struck by an object can induce the same effects. We encourage construction workers to practice mindfulness on the job as well.

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Sources

[1] “U.S. Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics.” PennyGeeks, PennyGeeks, 25 Apr. 2019, pennygeeks.com/legal-resources/statistics/traumatic-brain-injury/.

[2] Ayemba, Dennis. “5 Tips to Prevent Falls at the Construction Site.” Construction Review Online, Construction Review Online, 27 Apr. 2018, constructionreviewonline.com/2018/04/5-tips-to-ensure-your-workers-safety-at-the-construction-site/.

[3] Ibid.

[4] “Are You at Risk of Being Injured By an Object at Work?” Vellner Law, PC, Vellner Law, PC, 18 Mar. 2019, vellnerlaw.com/posts/stuck-by-object-at-work/.

[5] Ayemba, Dennis. “5 Tips to Prevent Falls at the Construction Site.” Construction Review Online, Construction Review Online, 27 Apr. 2018, constructionreviewonline.com/2018/04/5-tips-to-ensure-your-workers-safety-at-the-construction-site/.

[6] “Are You at Risk of Being Injured By an Object at Work?” Vellner Law, PC, Vellner Law, PC, 18 Mar. 2019, vellnerlaw.com/posts/stuck-by-object-at-work/.

[7] Ibid.