Head injuries can happen in any work environment, whether they’re from a slip-and-fall accident or caused by heavy items falling and hitting someone. Head injuries are extremely dangerous for the victims, because they can worsen as swelling increases. For that reason, it’s vital that victims are hospitalized as soon as possible after suffering a blow to the head.
Head injuries are among the most common causes of disability in America. Approximately 1.7 million people suffer from TBIs each year, with many needing help to complete their daily tasks after the incident.
What should you know about head injuries?
The most important thing for people to know about head injuries is how to identify them. If you see someone fall at work or you fall and hit your head, you or someone else needs to know to look for a head injury. Some of the symptoms of head injuries include:
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Vertigo or trouble with balance
- Headache
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Weakness in one part of the body or on a side of the body
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
There are many other symptoms as well.
What should you do if you see someone hit their head at work?
Even if they believe that they are healthy, it’s a good idea to report the incident and ask coworkers to go see a medical professional for an exam. If you hit your head, do the same. Don’t leave the situation to chance. There have been people who have felt fine initially but suffered symptoms later due to slow brain bleeds or aneurysms. It’s always safer to get the opinion of a doctor instead of leaving your health to chance after a serious fall or blow to the head.
Any severe head injury requires immediate attention. If you see someone’s head bleeding, split open or turning colors due to bruising, call 911. Serious head injuries can cause slurred speech, coma, trouble with vision and other serious symptoms. In some cases, people can end up in a vegetative state or coma, which must be treated rapidly.
The best thing to do is always to take steps to avoid head injuries. Make sure you wear personal protective equipment and report any hazards you notice in your workplace. Taking some preventative measures could help you stop a serious accident, or prevent yourself or someone else from suffering a blow to the head.