More than 2 million people suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the United States every year, according to the Brain Trauma Foundation. Around 50,000 TBI patients die, and more than 80,000 suffer from permanent disabilities.
Statistics show that 18% of brain and head injuries occur in the workplace. Workplace TBI can happen fast without any warning, even during routine tasks that employees are already very familiar with. Lack of awareness or even a simple mistake can lead to a serious workplace injury, such as a head injury.
In this blog, we will discuss why head injury at work is common and tackle efficient workplace injury prevention tips that employees can follow no matter where they are working. At Neuro Trauma Centers, we aim to be a beacon of support and empowerment for people suffering from brain injuries.
Why Workplace Traumatic Brain Injuries Happen
Traumatic brain injuries don’t only happen on construction sites. Accidents in warehouses, parking lots, and offices can also cause work brain injury. Here are the most common reasons for head injury in the workplace.
Unsafe Work Environments
Cluttered walkways. Unmarked hazards. Poor lighting. All these problems can increase brain injury risks. These unsafe working conditions can lead to a job site TBI in a matter of seconds.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Even if your workplace is safe, slips, trips, falls, and other accidents can still happen. These accidents make TBIs among the most common workplace injuries. Even in quiet offices, you can hit your head on the edge of the table with a simple slip, leading to an office injury with lasting negative effects.
Dangerous Equipment
Machinery, tools, and other equipment are also major sources of employee head injury. Even professionals who have been using them for years can make mistakes.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
If your work involves driving or just being around delivery trucks, forklifts, and other large vehicles, then you are at risk of suffering from a serious injury at the job. That’s why helmets are worn even in four-wheeled vehicles. Also, seatbelts are not an option. They are required to be worn at all times in moving workplace vehicles.
Improper Use of Safety Gear
Safety gear at work is required in construction sites and other dangerous workplaces. If you’re wearing hard hats improperly or using damaged helmets, a severe employee injury can happen at any time.
Lack of Training
Injury in the workplace also happens because of unclear safety rules or poor communication. This is why employees must have enough training before they are deployed to avoid workplace injuries.
How to Avoid Workplace Traumatic Brain Injuries
Avoiding traumatic brain injuries at work starts with being aware and prepared for various outcomes. While a TBI can occur suddenly and without warning, following proper safety practices before, during, and after your shift greatly reduces the risk of job-related injury. Ensuring that you are meeting the safety standards set in place with your workplace and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will greatly decrease your chances of a TBI.
Participate in Daily Safety Checks
If your company conducts routine hazard assessments every day, make sure to participate. These regular safety checks are an important part of work injury prevention efforts by checking walkways, equipment, and hazards.
Wear Proper Head Gear
In high-risk zones, employees should only wear approved head protection in work situations. Hard hats and helmets must meet safety standards to prevent head injury. Of course, they can still be damaged. When that happens, replace them with new ones.
Attend TBI Awareness Training
Companies often conduct TBI awareness programs. When they do, make sure to attend them so you can have a better understanding of traumatic brain injuries. These sessions will also teach you how to report any employee injury and give you an idea of what a TBI at work looks like.
Mark Hazard Zones
Warning signs are crucial in hazard zones. They can help employees prevent injuries at work by boosting their awareness of dangerous locations.
Follow Safety Rules at All Times
Safety rules are implemented to prevent work-related injuries. They are very important in job injury prevention plans.
Keep Floors Dry and Clear
Janitors are responsible for cleaning the floors. However, as an employee, you also need to do your part to prevent workplace injuries. Keeping the floor dry by not spilling your coffee or other beverages, which can help a lot in lessening office injury risks. You can also remove things that can block the way, such as boxes, trash, and other impediments.
Regularly Inspect Equipment
Another brain injury safety tip is to check equipment and other tools before using them. These include ladders, grinders, hammers, and other equipment.
Make Ergonomic Adjustments
Simple adjustments help workers stay alert. If you’re the boss, you can make efforts to add budget so you can buy ergonomic chairs to reduce physical strain among employees. Remember, knowing how to prevent work injuries includes making the workplace a better place.
Act Quickly
Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries can happen no matter how careful employees are or how safe the working environment is. That’s why it’s important to act quickly when accidents happen. Seeking early employee injury treatment can help avoid long-term TBI consequences.
Encourage Safety-First Culture
Bosses and employees both have the responsibility to build a safety-first culture. Sharing TBI safety tips, practicing workplace safety habits, and rewarding employees for safe practices can help prevent injuries at work.
Specialized Care for Work-Related TBIs
When traumatic brain injuries occur at work, you’ll need trusted TBI care fast. At Neuro Trauma Centers, we offer specialized care for work-related brain injuries and conditions. Our team of neurosurgeons, seasoned physicians, and other highly skilled medical professionals is dedicated to helping TBI patients recover.
Fall. Strike. Equipment failure. No matter what caused work-related TBIs, we offer specialized treatments to overcome them, ensuring the best recovery results. Our neuro exams, brain scans, and other diagnostic services will make sure that no TBI is left untreated.
Do you need help with work-related brain injuries? Contact us today. Book your consultation so you can begin your recovery journey.