Accidents in the workplace happen all the time. Depending on the severity, workplace accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. One of the most common injuries in the workplace is traumatic brain injury (TBI).
A traumatic brain injury happens when the head is subjected to a blow. This type of injury can result in permanent or even catastrophic damage to the victim. This underpins the importance of seeking immediate treatment following any injury to your head.
Here are the common causes of traumatic brain injuries in the workplace.
A fall from an elevated height
Falls from heights are quite common in the construction industry. When a construction worker falls off a ladder, a roof, tumbles down the stairs or falls through a hole, they can sustain serious or even fatal injuries when they hit their head against a hard or sharp object. The severity of the injury resulting from a fall depends largely on the height from which the worker falls.
Slip and falls
Next to falling from elevated heights are slips and falls. Any accident that results in a worker losing their traction can cause a slip and fall, which can eventually end in a wide range of injuries including brain damage. Common causes of slip and falls in the workplace may include poor lighting, loose cables, wet floors, and ripped or torn carpets.
Being struck by objects
Flying, falling, rolling or swinging objects – all these can cause serious head injuries when they come into contact with the worker. These types of accidents are extremely common in the construction and mining industries where debris is likely to fly around.
Car crashes
Workers whose jobs involve operating motor vehicles are at a greater risk of suffering life-altering brain injuries when they are involved in a car accident. Workers who are likely to suffer from TBIs following a car accident include delivery drivers, truck drivers and health care aides like ambulance drivers.
A TBI is one of the most serious types of injuries you can suffer while at work. Find out your options if you or someone you love has sustained a brain injury while at work.