06 Sep Head Injuries – After The Fall

Head Injuries – After the Fall

A fall can happen in seconds, but the consequences can last a lifetime. While falls may cause cuts, sprains, fractures, and other injuries, a head or brain injury can be especially serious. Even a fall from a relatively low height can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Head injuries are not always immediately obvious. A person may initially appear to be fine but develop symptoms later. The best protection is to prevent the fall in the first place and take every head impact seriously.

Potential Effects of a Head Injury

The effects of a head injury depend on the location and severity of the injury. Possible consequences include:

• Headaches, dizziness, or problems with balance.
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating.
• Short- or long-term memory problems.
• Changes in vision or other senses.
• Difficulty with coordination or performing familiar tasks.
• Changes in mood, personality, or behavior.
• Problems with speech or communication.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Seizures or loss of consciousness.
• Permanent physical or cognitive impairment.

A worker does not have to lose consciousness to have sustained a serious head injury.

What Determines the Severity of a Fall?

The outcome of a fall can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Fall distance – Greater distances generally increase the potential impact force.
• Body position – The position of the body when it strikes a surface can influence the type and severity of injury.
• Objects encountered during the fall – A worker may strike scaffolds, structural members, equipment, railings, vehicles, or other objects before reaching the ground.
• Landing surface – Concrete, steel, reinforcing bar, equipment, debris, and other hard or irregular surfaces can significantly increase injury severity.

Even a relatively short fall can cause a severe or fatal head injury if the worker strikes an object or lands incorrectly.

Prevent the Fall

Employees shall recognize fall hazards before beginning work and use required fall-protection systems.

• Inspect the work area for unprotected edges, holes, floor openings, skylights, unstable surfaces, and other fall hazards.
• Use guardrails, covers, personal fall arrest systems, or other required fall protection.
• Inspect fall-protection equipment before use.
• Use ladders and scaffolds properly.
• Maintain good housekeeping to prevent slips and trips.
• Never climb on equipment, structures, or materials not intended for access.
• Do not take shortcuts because a task will take “only a minute.”
• Report damaged or missing fall protection immediately.
• Stop work when conditions make the task unsafe.

When a personal fall arrest system is required, employees must be properly trained in its inspection, use, connection, and limitations.

Protect Your Head

Wear an approved hard hat or protective helmet whenever required by the work or identified hazards. Inspect head protection regularly and remove damaged equipment from service.

A hard hat can reduce the severity of some impacts, but it does not eliminate the need for fall protection.

After a Fall or Head Impact

Any employee who falls and strikes their head, or who may have sustained a head injury, should report the incident immediately and be appropriately evaluated.

Emergency medical assistance should be obtained for serious symptoms such as:

• Loss of consciousness.
• Increasing confusion or unusual behavior.
• Repeated vomiting.
• Seizures.
• Worsening or severe headache.
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking.
• Slurred speech.
• Unequal pupils or significant vision problems.
• Difficulty waking or remaining conscious.
• Blood or clear fluid draining from the nose or ears.

Do not encourage an injured worker to simply “shake it off” and return to work when a head injury is suspected.

Remember

A few minutes saved by taking a shortcut are never worth a permanent injury. Recognize fall hazards, use required fall protection, wear appropriate head protection, and report every fall or suspected head injury promptly.