Concussion in the Construction Industry
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur when the head is hit or shaken violently. They can cause a range of symptoms, including headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. In some cases, concussions can also lead to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.
Concussions are a common injury in the construction industry. In fact, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), construction workers are more likely to suffer a concussion than any other type of worker in the UK.
There are a number of reasons why concussions are so common in construction. Firstly, construction workers are often working at heights, which increases the risk of falling and hitting their head. Secondly, construction workers often use heavy machinery, which can also cause head injuries like being struck by a swinging boom of an excavator. Finally, construction workers can often be hit by dropped objects.
If you are a construction worker, it is important to be aware of the risks of concussions and to take steps to protect yourself. Here are a few tips:
- Wear a hard hat when working at heights or around dangerous machinery.
- Be aware of new hard hat technologies that may reduce rotational forces to the head during certain angled impacts.
- Be careful when using heavy machinery.
- Avoid working with dangerous substances.
- Take breaks if you feel dizzy or nauseous.
- Report any head injuries to your supervisor.
If you do suffer a concussion, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A doctor can diagnose the concussion and recommend treatment. Treatment for concussions typically involves rest, avoiding strenuous activity, and avoiding bright lights and loud noises.
Concussions can have a serious impact on your life. If you suffer a concussion, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and to follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment. With proper treatment, you can hopefully make a full recovery.
The Cost of Concussions
Concussions are a costly problem for the construction industry. The HSE estimates that the cost of work-related concussions in construction is £34 million per year. This includes the cost of medical care, lost productivity, and compensation for workers who are unable to work due to their injuries.
The cost of concussions is not just a financial burden. It is also a human cost. Concussions can cause long-term problems, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and depression. These problems can have a significant impact on the lives of workers who suffer them.
Preventing Concussions
There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent concussions in construction. Here are a few tips:
- Wear hard hats that give you an adequate protection level depending on the tasks you are performing.
- Use a chinstrap on your hard hat to reduce possible roll off during impact incidents.
- Utilise technologies like Mips to help reduce the risk of concussion.
- Be careful when working near heavy machinery.
- Report any head injuries to your supervisor no matter how minor.
Employers should also take steps to help prevent concussions in construction. Here are a few tips:
- Provide training on the risks of concussions.
- Make sure that all workers have access to hard hats and these are certified to the correct standard depending on the tasks that are being completed by the wearer.
- Inspect construction sites for hazards that could cause concussions.
- Develop a plan for handling concussions.
- Have concussion recognition tools on hand so your employees can understand the signs.
By taking these steps, employers can help to prevent concussions in construction and reduce the cost and impact of work-related concussions.