How to
Avoid Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) at the Workplace
- Hazard Identification &
Control
- Conduct a job hazard analysis
(JHA) to identify risks of falling objects, slips, trips, falls, and
struck-by incidents.
- Implement engineering controls
(guardrails, netting, tool tethering) before relying on PPE.
- Fall Protection
- TBIs are most often caused by
falls. Ensure fall protection systems (harnesses, lanyards, anchors) are
used properly and consistently.
- Provide slip-resistant surfaces
and housekeeping to reduce trip hazards.
- Training & Awareness
- Train workers on recognizing
struck-by and fall hazards.
- Reinforce proper ladder,
scaffold, and equipment use.
- Head Protection: Hard Hats vs.
Safety Helmets
- Traditional Hard Hats:
- ANSI Type I protects from top
impact only.
- Limited side impact
protection.
- Lacks chin strap — can fall
off in a fall or impact.
- Modern Safety Helmets
(Climbing/Mountaineering Style):
- Meet ANSI Z89.1 (and often
additional EN standards).
- Provide top and side impact
protection.
- Equipped with chin straps
to stay secure during falls.
- Often have integrated slots
for eye, face, or hearing protection.
Best
Practice Today: Many
industries (construction, utilities, energy, telecom) are shifting toward safety
helmets instead of traditional hard hats because of their enhanced
protection against TBIs. OSHA doesn’t currently require helmets over hard hats,
but more employers are making them the standard.
Recommendation
- Use engineering and
administrative controls first, but for PPE:
- If your workforce is exposed to
fall risks, struck-by hazards, or working at height → safety helmets
with chin straps are strongly recommended.
- Traditional hard hats are still
compliant, but they provide less protection, especially from side impacts
and falls.
Contact us today to schedule your next PPE safety class where we cover this in greater detail.
949.540.6800 • info@ehsinc.org