Understanding the Impact of Concussions in the Workplace What are Concussions? Concussions, also

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Understanding the Impact of Concussions in the
Workplace

What are Concussions?

Concussions,
also known as mild traumatic brain injuries, occur due to an impact or blow to
the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This
sudden movement results in chemical changes in the brain and sometimes
stretches and damages brain cells. Concussions can occur due to falls, vehicle
accidents, sports injuries or collisions at work. Common symptoms of a
concussion include headache, dizziness, confusion and memory problems. However,
concussions cannot be detected by CT or MRI scans as there is no associated
structural damage.

Impact on Workers

Concussion
are responsible for significant workplace costs and losses due to
absenteeism, reduced productivity and medical expenses. An analysis showed that
sports- and recreation-related concussions alone resulted in $47.7 million in
medical costs and $706.3 million in indirect costs due to lost productivity
annually in Canada. Considering that many injuries at construction sites,
manufacturing plants and other workplaces can also cause concussions, the total
impact on businesses is likely much higher. Workers who sustain concussions may
require time off work for recovery, have trouble concentrating or performing
physical tasks upon returning. This affects their work output and quality.

Need for Concussion Management Programs

To reduce costs and promote faster recovery of injured employees, companies
need to implement concussion management programs. Some key aspects of an
effective program include guidelines for immediately removing a worker from
duties if a concussion is suspected, standardized concussion assessment
protocols, clear return-to-work plans, and workplace accommodations. Education
about concussion signs, symptoms and risks specific to various jobs is also
important. Supervisors and coworkers play a major role in looking out for
concussion symptoms in others and reporting potential injuries promptly.
Companies should maintain injury records to identify trends and implement
preventive measures. Working with medical professionals, employers can support
concussed staff through the recovery process and facilitate a safe return to
full duties.

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