If you’re a construction professional or you’ve ever worked in the construction industry, you probably already know that construction sites are one of the most common places where American employees are injured. Concussions are a major construction site injury that can severely and permanently injure workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, concussions account for only about four percent of all on-site accidents but make up a startling 21 percent of construction-related deaths.
Understanding and being able to recognize the symptoms of a concussion can potentially save the life of one of your coworkers or employees. Some of the most common symptoms of a concussion include:
* A headache or persistent feeling of tight pressure in the head
* A sensation of dizziness or “seeing stars” that lasts for more than a few minutes after standing
* Confusion or feeling as if one is “in a daze”
* Cognitive delays, including slurred speech, nonsensical, or slow responses to questions, or lacking basic information that the person should know (such as the date, their name, or the specifics of an incident that happened less than a few hours ago)
* Temporary loss of consciousness, including fainting spells
* Nausea and vomiting
If you notice any one of these symptoms of a concussion, call for professional medical assistance immediately.
There are a few steps that site managers can take to reduce the likelihood of an injury or concussion occurring onsite:
Educate employees. Employees who understand the importance of safety and the dangers of a concussion are much more likely to observe safety standards. Hold a “safety awareness day” on your site to ensure employees know how to prevent injuries and how to help in the event of an emergency.
Use reliable tools and scaffolding. Make sure that employees have access to tools that are safe and up-to-code. If you are using used hydraulic hammers, breakers, or scaffolding, make sure these tools are regularly inspected for maintenance issues.
Insist on proper head protection. OSHA has standards for head protection that must be worn on construction sites. Make it clear to employees that head protection like hard hats or helmets must be worn at all times—no exceptions.
Using tools past their prime can put your employees in serious danger. Used hydraulic breakers and hammers from Hydraulic Breaker Services, LLC offer an affordable solution for construction sites that need to replace outdated tools without breaking the bank. Give our team a call today at 800-940-8517 to learn more!
