Reduce the Risk of Concussions Nearly 25% of Americans say that they’ve had a concussion, according to a 2016 NPR poll. Concussions are considered a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and they are common in sports and construction. While TBI’s are most common in sports, they occur regularly in industries that have above the neck hazards such as construction, mining, oil and gas, etc. The health problems associated with a TBI can be short-term (lasting a few days) or long-term (lasting the rest of a person’s life). Anyone with a TBI in the workplace should immediately notify their employer and seek medical attention with their guidance. If you experience a TBI outside of work, you should be seen by a healthcare provider as soon as possible. The Facts 1. According to the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2,210 construction workers died from 2003-10 because of a traumatic brain injury. 2. During that time span, traumatic brain injuries represented 25% of all construction fatalities and 24% of all occupational fatalities. 3. Structural iron and steelworkers and roofers have the highest fatal TBI rate. Hard Hat vs. Safety Helmet A hard hat’s primary purpose is to protect the user from objects falling from above onto the head. Some jobs require more protection. Safety helmets are great for trips and falls because of the tighter fit and the chin strap. Read about the different classes of hard hats here. OSHA 1926.100(a) Employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns, shall be protected by protective helmets. SAFETY FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT: SAFETYQUESTIONS@FASTENAL.COM OR 1-833-FNL-SAFE
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