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:
Workers may need more time off if a job requires:
A healthcare provider may recommend employers make changes to an employee's tasks or schedule during their recovery. Examples include:
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.
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
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
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.
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