Head Injury Hazards on Construction Sites: A Closer Look at Work-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries

Despite the numerous safety precautions implemented on construction sites, they remain inherently risky environments, especially concerning the potential for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The severity of TBIs can vary widely, from mild to severe, making it crucial to address any work-related head injury promptly.

As National Concussion Awareness Day falls in September, it serves as a reminder of the need to recognize and prevent traumatic brain injuries. This awareness extends to the construction industry, where understanding the hazards that can lead to accidents and TBIs is vital to safeguarding workers.

Suffered a TBI in a construction accident in New York?

If you or a loved one has sustained a TBI in a construction accident in New York, seeking legal advice is essential. Consult with an experienced New York construction accident lawyer who can protect your rights and aggressively advocate for your best interests.

Causes of construction-related TBIs

Construction work often involves tasks performed at elevated heights, requiring the use of equipment such as ladders and scaffolds. Despite comprehensive training and regulatory guidelines, accidents leading to slips, trips, and falls can still occur, potentially resulting in traumatic brain injuries. Occupational Health & Safety highlights several common risk factors, including:

• Improper ladder use: Workers face an increased risk of falling and sustaining head injuries when ladders are set up incorrectly or used improperly. Even seemingly minor falls from a ladder can result in serious TBIs.
• Uneven surfaces: Walking on unstable or uneven surfaces elevates the risk of tripping and falling, especially when ladders are positioned on uneven ground.
• Lack of fall protection equipment: Insufficient fall protection equipment at construction sites poses a significant TBI risk to workers. Without essential safety gear such as harnesses and scaffold guardrails, falls from heights can lead to traumatic brain injuries.
• Spills and hazards: Spills, leaks, or misplaced items on construction sites create hazardous conditions, increasing the likelihood of TBIs. Slippery substances or obstacles on walkways can result in slips and falls.
• Weather conditions: Adverse weather, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or icy surfaces, can contribute to slips, trips, or falls that may lead to construction workers suffering TBIs.
• Falling and flying objects: Tools, materials, or debris dropped from heights can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) if they strike a worker's head. Additionally, objects propelled through the air, such as those dislodged by machinery, can also lead to TBIs upon impact.

Symptoms of a construction-related TBI

Traumatic brain injuries can manifest with various symptoms, particularly in construction accidents. Recognizing these signs promptly is crucial, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact a worker's recovery. Symptoms of a construction-related TBI may include:

• Headaches: Persistent or worsening headaches, often accompanied by nausea, can indicate a TBI.
• Confusion and disorientation: Workers may become confused or disoriented or experience memory lapses following a head injury.
• Dizziness and balance problems: TBI victims may struggle with balance, coordination, and unexplained dizziness.
• Loss of consciousness: Brief or extended loss of consciousness is a concerning TBI symptom that should not be overlooked.
• Nausea and vomiting: Frequent nausea or episodes of vomiting, especially after sustaining a head injury, can signify a TBI.
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech: Impaired speech, slurring words, or difficulty articulating thoughts may occur.
• Sensitivity to light and noise: Workers may become overly sensitive to light and noise, experiencing discomfort or pain.
• Visual disturbances: Blurred or double vision, difficulty focusing, or changes in vision can be linked to TBIs.
• Seizures: Some TBIs can trigger seizures, which require immediate medical attention.
• Mood changes: TBI victims may exhibit mood swings, irritability, depression, or heightened anxiety.
• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, excessive sleep, or alterations in sleep patterns may occur.
• Loss of motor function: Impaired motor skills, muscle weakness, or paralysis in severe cases may develop.
• Cognitive changes: Difficulty with concentration, problem-solving, or organizing thoughts is common among TBI sufferers.
• Loss of sensation: Tingling, numbness, or a loss of sensation in various body parts may indicate a TBI.
• Changes in taste or smell: Altered or loss of taste and smell can be experienced following a head injury.

It's crucial to remember that the severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely among TBI cases. Any worker experiencing these symptoms after a construction-related accident should seek immediate medical attention. Moreover, consulting an experienced construction accident lawyer can help protect their rights and explore potential legal actions to secure the compensation needed for medical expenses and recovery.

Get help from an experienced New York construction accident attorney