Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can happen to anyone, anywhere. These injuries often result from a forceful blow or jolt to the head—commonly caused by falls, vehicle accidents or workplace incidents. While anyone can suffer a serious fall, the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and fatalities occur among adults over 75, according to the CDC. In this age group, TBIs account for 32% of hospitalizations and 28% of deaths. However, age isn’t the only risk factor. Workers in high-risk industries like construction face significantly greater exposure to head injuries.
Construction workers frequently operate on ladders, scaffolding, and near heavy machinery in dynamic and hazardous environments. The CDC reports that the construction industry experiences the highest number of work-related TBIs—both fatal and nonfatal—compared to other sectors. Between 2003 and 2010, TBIs caused 2,210 construction worker deaths, making up 25% of all construction fatalities and 24% of TBI-related deaths across all industries during that time.
Unfortunately, TBIs can be life-altering or even fatal, with recovery often being a long and challenging process. That’s why proactive workplace safety is critical.
Why Construction Carries the Greatest Safety Risks
While it’s impossible to prevent every on-the-job TBI, prioritizing safety makes a measurable difference.
The construction industry continues to be one of the most hazardous sectors. A study by the Center for Construction Research and Training found that construction workers account for approximately 20% of fatal injuries but only 7% of the workforce.
And, when it comes to fatal work-related TBIs, more than half are caused by falls, especially from roofs, ladders and scaffolds.
OSHA’s most frequently cited violations underscore this problem. In 2023, three of the top five citations were related to fall risks, with fall protection violations leading the list:
- Fall protection: 7,188 violations
- Hazard communication: 3,227 violations
- Ladders: 2,950 violations
- Scaffolding: 2,835 violations
- Powered Industrial Trucks: 2,550 violations
For over a decade, fall protection has consistently been the most frequently cited OSHA violation. While not all of these infractions occurred in construction, many did—including those involving ladders and scaffolding. This highlights the urgent need for better safety practices.
Building a Safer Future in Construction
The reality is that some construction companies still lack adequate workplace safety measures, increasing the likelihood of preventable injuries, including TBIs. However, the good news is that strategic improvements—such as better fall prevention, like PPE, ladder safety and scaffolding protocols—can significantly reduce these risks.
One of the most effective ways to enhance safety is through training. A strong safety culture begins with comprehensive education, especially for newer workers, as construction-related injuries are more common among employees under 35.
Employers can streamline and enhance safety training by using an online learning management system (LMS). An LMS enables construction companies to provide critical safety courses without the logistical challenges of in-person training. Workers can access lessons from mobile devices, ensuring they complete legally required training while companies track compliance effortlessly.
In construction, injury prevention is always preferable to treatment. This is especially true for severe, life-threatening injuries like TBIs. While safety should always be a top priority, Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month in March serves as an essential reminder to keep it front and center.
