TBIs are a major threat to workers which can cause a variety of physical, social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive problems.
Workplace accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, and injuries can occur despite all safety precautions. Nearly 30% of all injury related deaths involve a TBI. In the United States, 50% of all TBI related ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths are a result of falls. In fact, falls are the second most common cause of construction sector worker fatalities.
Safety Standards
TBIs are a major threat to workers can cause a variety of physical, social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive effects. OSHA has made efforts to reduce workplace injury risks by setting safety standards for various industries. OSHA defines a fall hazard as a condition on a walking or working surface that exposes a worker to a risk of injury from a fall to a lower level or on the same level. The threshold height for workers in various industries is:
- General industry: 4 feet
- Construction industry: 6 feet
- Scaffolding industry: 10 feet
- Fixed ladders: 24 feet
While the safety rules are in place, they don’t do any good unless they are not followed properly. For this reason, proper safety training for workers is extremely important. Training must be provided by a qualified person who understands the nature of hazards in the industry, knows how to recognize them and reduce them.
OSHA safety requirements also include installation, maintenance and inspection of personal fall arrest systems and proper techniques for hook-up, tie-off and anchoring.
The risk of falls on the same level can be reduced by minimizing clutter in the workplace. It is not uncommon for people to overlook things such as debris and equipment that could clutter the workplace, and it is only a matter of time before a worker trips and falls.
The Rule of S.A.F.E
S.A.F.E. stands for:
- Surface: It means careful consideration of changes in elevation and general composition of what’s under one’s feet
- Attention: Being mindful of risks and avoiding distractions of all kinds
- Footwear: Wearing the right kind of shoes is critical to fall protection. The shoes should have proper ankle support, maximum traction and toe protection
- Awareness: Being aware of the need to make adjustments for factors like lighting and weather
It is the duty of employers to follow OSHA standards and ensure that these standards and instructions are visible to workers. It is also the responsibility of the employer to enforce these rules diligently. As a worker, you need to be well aware of the safety procedures, and how to maintain and store protective equipment such as hard hats.
Have You Suffered a TBI in a Workplace Accident?
If you have sustained a workplace TBI, you may face long term physical, cognitive and behavioral problems. It is important that you receive adequate medical treatment and wage loss benefits for your injuries.
If you or a loved one have a suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a workplace accident, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann today. For more than 30 years, we have been helping injured workers and their families receive the benefits they need to move forward with their lives. Call us at (314) 361-4300 or fill our our online contact form to request a free and private consultation.