This October, CPWR is hosting two webinars focused on head protection in the construction industry. On October 15, participants will gain insights into traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and their impact on construction workers. This session will cover how to select protective headgear to prevent TBIs and provide an overview of current OSHA, ANSI, and ASTM standards related to head protection.
The second session, following up on the October 15 webinar, will explore the practical application of the concepts discussed previously, including using head protection to prevent TBIs, selecting appropriate headgear, and reviewing the relevant standards. Participants will hear from various contractor representatives about how they have integrated head protection into their struck-by prevention programs. The discussion will also cover the current transition many are making from traditional hard hats to safety helmets, along with the challenges that may arise. Additionally, CPWR will examine limitations in the current standards, identify areas where further research is needed, and consider factors from employees’ perspectives when making decisions about head protection on the job.
Each year, thousands of construction workers suffer head injuries on the job. According to historical data, U.S. emergency departments treat an average of over 50,000 nonfatal work-related TBIs annually. Between 2003 and 2010, 2,210 construction workers lost their lives due to TBIs. Common causes of head injuries include being struck by falling or flying tools, materials, or objects; falling and hitting an object or surface; and encountering overhead hazards.
