Whenever a worker is injured, it is important to get him or her back on the job as soon as possible. This holds down your days away from work/restricted/transferred (DART) rate, minimizes the impact on your X-mod, and decreases the chance of a long-term or permanent disability claim. Most workers wish to return to their accustomed job duties; however, in the case of minor traumatic brain injury (MTBI), restricted duty or a transfer may be best, even if the employee insists that he or she feels “fine.” Recent research indicates that returning to regular duties too soon after these injuries can prolong recovery and increase the chances of reinjury and permanent damage.
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An individual’s ability to return to work following an MTBI can be influenced by coexisting medical conditions, an individual’s concussion history, and the type of work being performed. A physician can perform tests and provide the best advice on whether a worker can return to work with or without accommodations and whether a worker’s recovery from such an incident is complete. In the case of an MTBI, it may in fact take months for the worker to fully recover and return to his or her normal job duties safely. Here’s some advice on getting workers back on the job after an MTBI at just the right time.
Risks of Premature Return to Work
With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with MTBIs recover fully within a short period of time. But, in some cases, workers who suffer MTBIs can develop post-concussion syndrome, making it challenging to resume normal activities or return to work. It’s important to be sure workers are fully recovered before they return, because:
- Workers who suffer a second MTBI before being fully recovered from an initial one can cause immediate severe brain injury as well as long-term damage that may include Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, and memory problems.
- Workers in general industry who suffer concussions may not be in danger of suffering another concussion immediately if they return to their normal duties, however, the injury may affect whether they can immediately return to jobs requiring high levels of alertness, quick reaction times, and good judgment.
Returning to Work Safely
Workers can become reinjured if their regular job duties place them at increased risk of an MTBI. For example, individuals who work in construction, especially those who work from ladders and scaffolds or on structural steel, are exposed to fall risks and falling object hazards. Professional athletes may be exposed to violent impacts at work.
Before workers return to the job following a concussion, consider whether their work station, job duties, or work assignment should be modified so that:
- Noise and visual distractions are reduced.
- Operating instructions and safety-related work practices are reviewed, especially for individuals experiencing memory problems or confusion.
- Increased supervision is provided for a period of time to identify any potential problems.
- Break time is allowed as needed rather than on a schedule.
Workers’ concussion history and overall medical condition will have to be evaluated by a qualified medical professional before they can return to work, but the third factor—exposure to things that increase workers’ risk of suffering an MTBI—can be addressed by the employer. To reduce the risk of MTBIs at work, employers should:
- Control workplace tripping hazards.
- Use “wet floor” signs to warn workers of slick surfaces.
- Control falling object hazards.
- Always store the heaviest objects and materials on the floor or the lowest possible shelving.
- Require workers to wear proper safety footwear.
- Require the proper use of ladders, scaffolds, and elevating equipment.
- Make sure that workers wear properly fitted fall protection and fall restraint equipment.
- Make sure that workers wear properly fitted hard hats that are in good condition.
- Encourage workers to report any unsafe conditions or concussion symptoms to their supervisors.