Did you know:
- Every 3 minutes, in Canada, someone sustains a brain injury.
- Falls account for nearly half of all workplace-related traumatic brain injuries.
- Long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries include memory loss, cognitive impairment, and chronic headaches.
- Slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of workplace concussions.
- Workers can also suffer concussions from being struck by or against an object, such as falling tools, equipment, or machinery.
- Motor vehicle collisions are another common cause, particularly in transportation-heavy industries.
In Canada, industries with the highest rates of workplace concussions include transportation, storage, government, and primary industries like forestry, fishing, and mining. A recent review of statistics highlights a concerning trend – over one million Canadians are living with some form of brain injury, and 200,000 concussions are reported annually. This surge underscores a need for better understanding and management of head injuries in the workplace.
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. It occurs when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head—or a forceful impact on the body—causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This sudden movement can damage brain cells and impact cognitive functions, even if the person does not lose consciousness. A concussion resulting in unconsciousness is classified as a “critical injury,” meaning it is considered life-threatening. Loss of consciousness, even briefly, requires immediate medical attention.
Recognizing Concussion Symptoms
Symptoms of a concussion may appear immediately or develop over time.
They include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness, balance problems, or nausea
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light and noise
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Confusion, drowsiness, or slurred speech
Since symptoms may take hours or days to manifest, workers should monitor themselves closely after a head injury and seek medical attention if necessary.
Managing a Concussion
If a worker experiences concussion symptoms after an injury, they should:
- Alert a supervisor and document the incident.
- Seek immediate medical attention. A professional evaluation is necessary to determine the severity.
- Avoid being left alone or driving until cleared by a medical professional.
- Follow a return-to-work plan that includes gradual reintegration based on symptoms and recovery progress.
The severity of head injuries can range from mild to life-threatening, and a quick, accurate assessment is vital. Supervisors should ensure that all workers are educated about the signs and symptoms of concussions, and have clear procedures in place for evaluating, reporting, and managing these injuries.
If there is any doubt about the injury’s severity, always err on the side of caution and seek medical help.
Preventing Concussions in the Workplace
Employers and employees can take steps to reduce the risk of head injuries:
- Keep work areas clear of tripping hazards such as cords, clutter, and spills.
- Use proper signage to alert employees to wet or hazardous surfaces.
- Store heavy objects on lower shelves to prevent falling items.
- Use appropriate safety footwear in slippery or uneven terrain.
- Utilize step stools or ladders instead of standing on chairs or desks.
- Use stepladders as they are meant to be used
- Report unsafe conditions to a supervisor immediately.
- Require hard hats and head protection in hazardous work zones. Verify that hard hats are not being modified by the end user.
- Implement fall protection systems, including guardrails and harnesses, when working at heights.
- Encourage reporting of head injuries immediately and seek medical evaluation even if symptoms seem minor.
- Train workers to recognize concussion symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
- Conduct routine workplace audits to identify and eliminate head injury risks.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to take head injuries seriously. Through prevention strategies, early intervention, and proper management, we can create safer workplaces and protect workers from long-term health consequences.