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Construction site injuries: Not any hard hat can prevent TBI

by | Feb 4, 2020 | Construction Site Accident Injuries |

Traumatic brain injuries are reported to make up almost one-quarter of all occupational fatalities. Furthermore, a significant percentage of all brain injuries, fatal and non-fatal, occur in the construction industry nationwide, including Tennessee. According to safety authorities, many construction site injuries to the head could be prevented by providing proper head protection.

The primary causes of traumatic brain injuries among construction workers are falls from scaffolds, ladders and roofs. Many construction company owners realize that the traditional hard hat does not provide the necessary protection against head injuries. Climbing helmets have proved to provide more protection, partly because they have a chinstrap and a layer of foam on the inside.

However, even when construction safety officers choose to provide workers with the new type of climbing helmets, they need to gain knowledge about the different types and the levels of protection they provide. Climbing helmets are classified as Type I and Type II, each subjected to different testing protocols. Type I protects against impact on the top of the head, such as an object dropped from above. In contrast, Type II is tested to protect the wearer in circumstances that involve strikes to the side of the head, including instances when a worker falls and strikes his or her head against and object.

There are more aspects to examine before choosing the appropriate head protection for each worker. However, not all employers in Tennessee prioritize employee safety over the bottom line, leaving their workers vulnerable to suffer life-changing head injuries. Victims of construction site injuries can secure the services of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to assist with the navigation of benefits claims in pursuit of maximum compensation under applicable laws.

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