Traumatic brain injuries occur across many different industries in Wisconsin and throughout the United States. While certain workplaces, such as construction sites and warehouses, may see higher incidents of TBI, brain injuries can occur in any work environment. Slip-and-fall accidents from clutter on the floor or inappropriate working conditions, can lead to this serious type of head and brain injury. Large objects could fall on an employee’s head, causing a sudden jolt that causes brain tissue damage. When these accidents occur, brain tissue may begin to swell and bleed, causing long-term damage if not attended to in a timely manner. In some cases, however, workers may not even know they have a brain injury, as some of the symptoms are similar to other sicknesses. Furthermore, symptoms may not appear for days or weeks following the injury.
Employees should be aware of the common signs of brain trauma, so they can report the accident and injury to their manager as soon as possible. These signs include the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Progressive headache
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Dizziness
- Changes in mood
- Decrease in sensory abilities
Victims of brain injury may have trouble sleeping, experience difficulty concentrating, feel depressed or irritable or be extremely fatigued. The symptoms may increase or decrease in severity depending on where the brain was injured, as well as how hard the hit. Once employees notify their employer of the incident and injury, workers should seek medical attention immediately. The recovery process may be intense and include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and counseling.
