The Six Nations is in full swing and we’re wishing all the Home Nations the best of luck. But glory isn’t the only thing at stake in the competition. In recent years, there have been growing concerns about concussions in the sport. World Rugby has responded by introducing new regulations aimed at reducing the risk to players.
Any player who suffers a head injury should now be taken off the pitch for a minimum of 12 minutes. They may only return after passing a strict set of concussion tests. Players who suffer a concussion must rest for a minimum of 14 days, and then undergo a gradual return to the sport under careful supervision.
Referees are also taking a zero-tolerance approach to head-on-head collisions and high tackles, even if they occur accidentally.
It’s great to see World Rugby taking this issue seriously, and we’re sure you want to do the same. Scrums and tackles may not be a feature of most workplaces, but serious head injuries can occur in any environment.
These can have life-changing effects, so employers need to act quickly in the event of an accident. Here’s our guide to treating and reporting head injuries, and the steps you can take to keep your employees safe.
What should I do if a head injury occurs?
Most head injuries are minor and do not require medical attention. However, the casualty should be advised to monitor their symptoms for the next 48 hours after the incident and seek medical attention if their condition worsens.
More serious head injuries may require a trip to A&E. An employee should always go to the hospital if they are knocked out, even if they are only unconscious for a few seconds. They should also seek medical attention if they exhibit any of the signs of concussion, which include vomiting, changes in mood or behaviour, loss of memory or a headache that doesn’t go away with painkillers.
When a serious injury occurs, call 999 immediately. While waiting for an ambulance to arrive, check the airway and that they are breathing. Management of airways needs to be monitored continuously. Be prepared to start CPR if required. It is possible they may have also suffered a spinal injury, so in line with well-known protocol try not to move them (unless they are in immediate danger).
You should call 999 if an employee has been knocked out and hasn’t woken up, or if any of the following apply:
- Difficulty staying awake
- Seizures
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Bleeding from the ears
- Difficulty walking or talking
- Numbness or weakness in any part of the body
- Continue to monitor the casualty’s breathing and other symptoms until medical relief arrives.
Do I need to report head injuries?
Because of their serious nature, some head injuries will need to be reported under RIDDOR. If a head injury results in a loss of consciousness or is caused by a crushing motion it is classified as a reportable injury:
In these cases, you must submit a RIDDOR report to HSE. You can do this by filling in a form on the HSE website. You can also download a copy of the report for your own records.
How can I reduce the risk of head injuries at work?
According to the latest HSE statistics, the five most common causes of workplace injury are:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Handling, lifting and carrying
- Being struck by a moving object
- Acts of violence
- Falls from height
Of these, three are especially likely to lead to head injuries: Slips, trips and falls, being struck by a moving (or falling) object and falls from height. Fortunately, the risk of all three can be reduced with some simple common-sense measures, for instance:
- Ensure that hard hats are worn in areas where there may be falling objects, and make sure that these are in good condition and fit properly
- Look out for tripping hazards and remove them as soon as possible
- Put down wet floor signs after cleaning
- Teach employees about ladder safety, making sure that they never stand on the top two rungs
- Grit outdoor paths during the winter and make sure that there is adequate lighting around the building
There’s no room for error when it comes to head injuries. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to book a place on one of our emergency first-aid courses, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
