​Information below is from TBI in the Workplace Facts | Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion | CDC
 
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are most commonly associated with sports activities, but these injuries also occur in the workplace. Research shows that some workers may be at increased risk for TBI. Some examples include those who work in construction, freight trucking, and services to building industries, as well as military and law enforcement service members.
 
Symptoms
TBI symptoms may include problems with thinking, concentration, reaction time, and emotions, as well as feeling more tired than usual. Some symptoms may affect a person's ability to do their normal work activities. Symptoms may last for months or even years. And for some, symptoms may involve co-occurring health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
 
What to do
Healthcare providers have treatments available to help support recovery from a TBI, including symptoms related to mental and physical health. They can also provide instructions on when a worker can safely return to work and list any needed supports or accommodations.
Employers can connect an employee to an Employee Assistance Program and offer support services, including mental health support, when the person returns to work to help speed their recovery.
 
Returning to work
Returning to work after a TBI is different for each person and depends on many factors, including:

• Severity of the injury and symptoms
• Tasks employees are required to perform as part of their job
• Types of symptoms people are experiencing

Some people with a TBI can return to work within a couple of days of their injury and may only need short-term support or accommodations during their recovery, like rest breaks during the day or earplugs to limit sensitivity to noise. Others may need weeks, months, or longer before returning to work. Some people may not be able to return to work (or the same type of employment) due to long-term disability or persistent symptoms.
 
Workers may need more time off if a job requires:

• Working from heights, including climbing a roof or ladder, or the risk of falling
• Exposure to explosions, blasts, or projectiles
• Intense physical activity, such as running and heavy lifting
• Attention or concentration
• Driving
• Operating machinery or heavy equipment
• High-stress or safety risks, such as work with hazardous materials

These activities may make an employee's symptoms worse or increase their chance for another brain injury during recovery.
 
A healthcare provider may recommend employers make changes to an employee's tasks or schedule during their recovery. Examples include:

• Rest breaks, shortened work schedule, or a later start time
• Time to take short walks or other similar light physical activity
• Temporary transfer to a position with tasks that don't worsen symptoms
• Access to sunglasses, earplugs, or headphones if bothered by light or noise
• Reduced driving or physical activity
• Extended time to complete tasks
• Reduced screen time, such as on computers and tablets
• Limited or no use of machinery or heavy equipment
• Access to assistive technology to help perform tasks, like screen reading and magnification software

 
The jobs of public safety officers (such as law enforcement, correctional officers, firefighters, and emergency medical care providers) can include tasks that involve intense physical activity, operating vehicles, and high stress situations. Employers of public safety officers may consider providing alternate tasks for public safety officers recovering from a TBI when possible.
 
Resources
There are many organizations helping people with a TBI and their family during recovery. See Where to Get Help for organizations that can provide support for persons living with a TBI and their families.
CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health develops partnerships, conducts research, and implements intervention strategies for improving workplace safety.
 
 

​Hello Southern Oregon ASSP Members,
One of the things I appreciate most about our chapter is the sense of community we’ve built together. We’re more than just a group of professionals—we’re a network of people who share the same goal: sending everyone home safe at the end of the day. Whether we’re learning from an expert speaker, swapping ideas at a monthly meeting, or teaming up on a project, the value comes from the connections we make and the knowledge we share. I can’t think of a place where I have felt more welcomed and appreciated my participation than Southern Oregon ASSP.
This was highlighted at our most recent monthly meeting, which was extra special as it marked our first gathering at our new location, the Ethos Academy in Phoenix, Oregon. This beautiful space provided the perfect backdrop for a lively and educational session. Our featured topic was ergonomics, but not in the typical “posture and lifting” way you might expect. Instead, our speaker shared creative, relatable strategies for protecting our bodies in the workplace and beyond.
One of the most memorable takeaways was the idea that our bodies are a lot like duct tape and jelly donuts. The “duct tape” analogy reminded us that, like tape, we’re strong and versatile—but if we get twisted or bent the wrong way too often, our effectiveness is reduced. The “jelly donut” example illustrated how our spinal discs can be damaged if we’re not careful with our movements—once the “jelly” leaks out, it’s hard to put it back in! These comparisons were not only fun and easy to remember, but they also underscored the importance of awareness and prevention in everyday movements.
We’re also excited to share that we’re making progress toward livestreaming our monthly meetings. We know that not everyone can make it in person due to work schedules, travel distance, or other commitments. By adding a livestream option, we’ll be able to include more members in real-time learning and discussions, no matter where they are. It’s just another way we’re working to make professional development more accessible for all members of our safety community.
Looking ahead, we have a major event on the horizon: the Southern Oregon Safety and Health Conference happening on October 14, 15, and 16 at the Ashland Hills Hotel. This conference is our flagship event, bringing together safety leaders, industry experts, and professionals from across the region for three days of learning, networking, and professional growth.
Here’s what you can expect this year:

• Pre-Conference Class (October 14) – Earn your CPR certification in a hands-on, engaging class that will prepare you to respond in an emergency. This certification is a valuable addition to your professional skill set and could one day help save a life. Be sure to reserve your spot in the class through the conference website.
• All-Day PDC (October 14) – Scott Shumway will lead our professional development course which will focus on “conflict resolution.” This will discuss creating collaborative, solutions-focused dialogue that builds trust, strengthens relationships, and gets results in safety and beyond.
• Two Full Days of Breakout Sessions (October 15 & 16) – Dive deep into focused classes covering topics like general safety, construction safety, industrial hygiene, and HR topics, leadership, and skills development.
• Awards & Recognition – Now is the time to showcase the great work happening in your workplace. Submit your safety committee for the Bertak Award or the Best-of-the-Best Award, both of which highlight excellence in safety leadership and innovation. Be sure to check the conference website for details on these and other award categories.  All awards packages are due by August 30.

This year’s conference will offer a balance of technical knowledge, practical skills, and networking opportunities you simply can’t get anywhere else in Southern Oregon. It’s also an incredible opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for safety and learn from their successes and challenges.
I hope you’ll join us for this exciting event. Together, we can continue to raise the bar for safety in Southern Oregon and beyond.
Stay safe, stay engaged, and I’ll see you soon—either at our next monthly meeting or at the conference this October.

Warm regards,
​
Jeffrey Mook
President – Southern Oregon Chapter ASSP