The construction industry experienced a 57% drop in the rate of nonfatal worker injuries from 2003 to 2019, a new report by the Center for Construction Training and Research reveals. However, its injury rate remained consistently at least 29.2% higher than all other industries combined. Specifically, construction workers sustain more traumatic brain injuries than employees in all other workplaces in the United States. Prioritizing safety to protect workers is essential for all construction businesses.
Risk of traumatic brain injury
Over an eight-year-period, traumatic brain injuries accounted for 25% of all construction fatalities, the report found. Over 50% of all fatal work-related traumatic injuries were caused by falls — particularly from scaffolds, roofs and ladders. Moreover, workers aged 65 and over were almost four times more likely to sustain a fatal traumatic brain injury than workers between 25 and 34 years old. Also, the smaller the organization, the higher the risk: workers at businesses with under 20 employees were over 2.5 times more likely to die from a traumatic brain injury than those who worked at organizations with over 100 employees.
Avoiding head injury
Construction workers should wear head protection at all times to prevent head trauma. Additionally, protective gear, including masks, goggles, cut-resistant gloves, and slip-resistant boots can improve safety. The right equipment should always be used for any task. The incorrect use of ladders, for example, is a common cause of accidents, whether they’re broken, overloaded, or made of metal and placed near power lines. Tools and equipment should always be thoroughly inspected before use to ensure they meet the right requirements. Equipment should be set up carefully; stairways placed in busy or messy areas will have a higher chance of causing slips or falls.
Advice for employees
Employees who sustain a head injury at work may be able to file a head lawsuit and seek compensation. Experienced personal injury lawyers can help determine if the injury is the direct result of the employer’s negligence. Your situation will be evaluated to calculate the exact amount of financial compensation rightfully owed — head injuries typically result in lost income, disability, rehabilitation expenses, and medical expenses, as well as emotional and physical pain. Filing a claim is the number one way to ensure your rights are protected.
Head injuries are a serious risk in the construction injury. By cultivating a safe working environment, employees and businesses can ensure better protection for all workers.
