Nonfatal workplace injuries resulting from falls occur at a higher rate in the construction industry compared with private industry, according to constructionexec.com.
But after the musculoskeletal injuries have healed, there could be underlying neurological impairments, including dizziness or a persistent imbalance that occurs while walking, bending or performing other normal physical activities. These symptoms can place a worker at higher risk of falling again on the job.
The vestibular system includes parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements and provides the brain with information about head position, motion and body posture in relation to our surrounding environment. Some common causes of vestibular dysfunction include traumatic head/brain injury; aging; genetic conditions; viral infections; and medicines.
When the vestibular system is damaged, blurry vision, hearing loss, dizziness and imbalance may occur. Environmental factors such as noise exposure and weather (for example, extreme heat) can worsen or trigger symptoms of a vestibular disorder, increasing injury risks on a job site to dangerous levels.
If a worker is diagnosed with a vestibular disorder, a clinician can develop a treatment plan to improve or eliminate symptoms and help restore stability, significantly reducing an individual’s risk of suffering a fall or related injury. Vestibular therapy may include strengthening and flexibility exercises, and active head and body movements that focus on motor skills in response to changes in body/head position, as well as visual-dependency exercises to help stabilize vision through repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness.
Construction employees often perform physically demanding, repetitive tasks, and vestibular therapy can be an invaluable resource. Vestibular and balance exercises can be integrated into a company’s workplace safety program to help employees avoid injury or reinjury.
Construction workers can be exposed to environmental conditions that place them at higher risk of fall-related injuries, and construction companies should consider implementing strategies that promote prevention and recovery of vestibular dysfunction.
