Mar 3, 2021
How to Prevent Brain Injuries in the Workplace
In continuous support of Brain Injury Awareness Month, which is observed annually during the month of March, our team would like to discuss key ways that workers, supervisors, and employers can do their part in preventing brain injuries in the workplace.
If you read one of our recent blogs, you know that construction workers face some of the most risks when it comes to sustaining traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on the job. However, many other occupations can be hidden with hazards that can lead to these injuries.
Below, we discuss several techniques that can be implemented in some or all U.S. workplaces in order to prevent on-the-job brain injuries.
Improve Awareness of Hazards
Falls are a leading cause of TBI both in the workplace and outside of it. Employers have a legal duty to ensure that workers understand where certain hazards are so that they can take steps to avoid the area or wear the right protective gear.
For instance, construction workers should be warned of falling hazards and be provided with fall protection gear. Ladders should only be used the correct way, and trainings should be given to workers in order to educate them on how falls occur most frequently on construction sites.
Slip-and-falls can also lead to brain injuries if workers hit their heads on a hard surface. Companies should take steps to ensure that all slipping hazards, such as wet floors or loose carpets, are fixed immediately, and that proper signage is posted to alert workers of the hazard.
Provide Hard Hats and Other Protection
Depending on the industry, this may not necessarily apply. But for construction workers or other individuals who work in medium- or high-level hazards, having the right personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to reducing the risk of traumatic brain injuries or fatalities. Employers should provide head protection as needed for workers, such as:
- Helmets
- Hard hats
- Bump caps
- Guards
- Accessories
For those whose professional work involves being on the road, this can also mean wearing your seatbelt to prevent the risk of TBIs in the event of a car crash.
Follow Safety Rules
Ultimately, every worker should have the tools and knowledge necessary to understand how to work safely in their given workplace. Each worker should be trained on the safe use of the equipment and heavy machinery, and both employers and workers should be trained to recognize potential hazards that may unexpectedly pop up on the job.
We hope that at least a few of the above key prevention techniques are applicable to your specific industry and that you were able to take away information that can help you and others stay safe at work.
While we hope you or a loved one is never injured at work, we do understand that accidents happen even when all the right steps are taken. In these instances, the legal team at Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys is standing by ready to help you recover the benefits you need.
Contact our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys at 770-922-3660 to speak with our legal team for free today!
