Page 34 - OHS, Nov/Dec 2023

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
Evolving Helmet Safety for the Most At-Risk Profession
PPE for Construction Jobsites needs to incorporate new innovations in order to address all causes of traumatic brain injuries.
BY MAX STRANDWITZ
Construction workers are respon- sible for building the places where we spend our lives — our homes, offices, stores and com-
munities. Yet these workers face some of the greatest risks on the job: Ranked fourth on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) list of most dan- gerous jobs, there must be a continual con- certed effort to keep construction workers safe from hazards on job sites1.
So, what can be done to help an indus- try of people doing some of the most dan- gerous work out there?
Identify the Risks
According to OSHA, the four leading hazards, or “Fatal Four,” that construc- tion workers face on job sites include falls, being struck by an object, electrocution and being caught between two or more objects. The danger that several of these highlighted hazards presents can vary based on how these accidents occur: De- pending on how an accident takes place, workers can potentially be at risk of trau- matic brain injuries (TBIs).
Some of the biggest risks that imperil those in the construction industry are slips, trips, and falls2. Falling and flying objects and working on elevated surfaces or on ladders presents increased dangers that can amplify risk3. These dangers can lead to accidents that vary in severity, or even workplace fatalities.
Given the nature of construction job- sites, construction workers are at height- ened risk for TBIs as well4: Falls — espe- cially from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds — led to more than half of all fatal workplace TBI-related deaths for those in construc- tion5.
Understanding the root causes of TBIs can help lead the industry towards improved safety for workers against the risks associated, and support in enforcing workplace safety. For the construction in- dustry, a stronger knowledge of rotational motion is a good starting point.
Understanding Rotational Motion
When a person falls and their head strikes the ground, the impact will typically occur at an angle. This combination of forces — rotational forces (angular acceleration) and rotational energy (angular velocity) — exposes the person to rotational motion, which can result in injuries ranging in se- verity depending on the impact. Exposing the brain to rotational motion can cause movement of brain cells relative to each other, which can lead to shearing, and result in damage to the brain’s axons, the cable transmitters of neurons.
Rotational motion can cause diffuse injuries like diffuse axonal injury and sub- dural hematoma, while linear impacts (an impact directly on top of the head) to the head can cause focal injuries such as frac- tures and contusions. While highly dan- gerous, these types of accidents are not always fatal: TBIs can lead to time away from work, or even life-long afflictions.
A 2022 survey conducted by Nielsen, a consumer survey company, and com- missioned by Mips revealed the major- ity of American helmet buyers did not understand the cause of concussions and how to reduce them using helmets. Among the most significant findings was that 70 percent of American helmet buy- ers did not know the term “rotational motion.” Without understanding the concept of rotational motion, the survey found when purchasing a new helmet, American helmet buyers did not consider how well the helmet protects against ro- tational motion.
Many helmets might focus primarily on linear impacts and not fully address the complexities of real-life accidents. While OSHA mandates the use of hard hats and head protection for workers exposed to head injury risks, enhanced designs and technology in head protection can further protect from head trauma and injury.
However, there have been promising developments intended to increase hel- met safety and usage on job sites: In July, OSHA proposed a new rule that would re-
quire employers to provide workers with PPE that properly fit each employee. This proposed rule will significantly impact helmet usage on jobsites: Employees are far more likely to wear helmets and hard hats that fit correctly and comfortably.
Bringing Helmet Safety
Into the 21st Century
Although neuroscience has advanced, little has changed in present-day helmet and hard hat design over the course of the past century. While today’s construction helmet standards test the impact of linear forces, they do not take into account rotational motion. There have been promising devel- opments for some standards in the sports and moto industries in terms of addressing the impact and consequences of rotational motion; however, the construction indus- try has yet to update standards for helmet testing to consider rotational motion.
The construction industry is pivotal for maintaining and building our societ- ies. Although little can be done to eradi- cate all the dangers construction work- ers face on a regular basis, supporting workers, educating them about risks, and promoting proper PPE usage are crucial first steps. When selecting their helmets, construction workers should take into consideration whether their helmets are equipped with a system designed to ad- dress rotational motion.
Max Strandwitz is the CEO at Mips AB. Mips has worked with safety helmet and PPE manufacturers to include its patented low-friction layer for protecting against ro- tational motion in construction helmets and hard hats.
REFERENCES
1. tinyurl.com/yxjxu4yk 2. tinyurl.com/42cf8s28 3. tinyurl.com/mr3cwh6e 4. tinyurl.com/3v9ay8ku 5. tinyurl.com/24e2ftma
34 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
www.ohsonline.com