The Center for Disease Control and NIOSH have concluded that Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) happen more frequently on construction work sites then in any other U.S. workplace. Falling from a ladder, getting hit in the head with a steel beam and vehicle accidents are some of the leading reasons TBIs happen on construction projects.
A 2016 NIOSH study reported these alarming stats:
- Workers in small construction companies (<20 employees) were more than 2.5 times more likely than those in larger companies (≥100 employees) to die from a TBI.
- Males were 7 times more likely than females to die from a TBI.
- Older workers (≥65 years) were almost 4 times more likely than younger workers (25–34 years) to have a fatal TBI.
- The TBI fatality rate was significantly higher for foreign-born than for native-born workers.
- Falls, especially from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds, led to >50% of fatal work-related TBIs.
- Structural iron and steel workers and roofers had the highest fatal TBI rate, and TBIs related to falls caused most of their deaths.
NIOSH addressed the issue of TBIs in the construction industry with the following recommendations:
- Improve harness sizing designs for protecting workers from falls due to poor fit or improper size selection.
- Provide worker-support bracket and safety rail assembly that provides a guardrail system to protect workers from falling through unprotected roofs.
Read the rest of the NIOSH Science report here and to learn more about on-site medical services and safety programs for large construction projects visit safesitemedical.com.
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