Traumatic Brain Injury in the Workplace

Information for Employers and Employees

Some jobs may have higher risk for Traumatic Brain Injury, including construction workers, professional drivers, emergency responders, minders, warehouse workers, prof athletes, loggers, law enforcement officers, machinists, and agricultural workers.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions, can occur in any type of workplace. However, research shows that some workers may be at increased risk for TBI.^1-2 Some examples include those who work in Construction, General and Specialized Freight Trucking, and Services to Building and Dwellings industries, as well as U.S. service members.^1-2

Symptoms

TBI symptoms may include problems with thinking, concentration, reaction time, and emotions, as well as feeling more tired than usual. Some symptoms may affect a person’s ability to do their normal work activities. Symptoms may last for months or even years,³ and for some, may involve co-occurring health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.^4,5

Return to Work

Healthcare providers have treatments available to help support recovery from a TBI, including symptoms related to mental and physical health.⁶ They can also provide instructions on when a worker can safely return to work and list any needed supports or accommodations.
Employers can connect an employee to an Employee Assistance Program and offer support services, including mental health support, when the person returns to work to help speed their recovery.^6,7
Employees can learn more about federal protection and leave programs that may be available following an TBI or other injury.

Returning to work after a TBI is different for each person and depends on many factors, including:

Severity of the injury and symptoms
Tasks employees are required to perform as part of their job
Types of symptoms people are experiencing

Some people with a TBI can return to work within a couple of days of their injury and may only need short-term support or accommodations during their recovery, like rest breaks during the day or earplugs to limit sensitivity to noise. Others may need weeks, months, or longer before returning to work. Some people may not be able to return to work (or the same type of employment) due to long-term disability or persistent symptoms.

Workers may need more time off if a job requires:

Working from heights, including climbing a roof or ladder, or the risk of falling
Exposure to explosions, blasts, or projectiles
Intense physical activity, such as running and heavy lifting
Attention or concentration
Driving
Operating machinery or heavy equipment
High-stress or safety risks, such as work with hazardous materials

These activities may make an employee’s symptoms worse or increase their chance for another brain injury during recovery.

A healthcare provider may recommend employers make changes to an employee’s tasks or schedule during their recovery. Examples include:

Rest breaks, shortened work schedule, or a later start time
Time to take short walks or other similar light physical activity
Temporary transfer to a position with tasks that don’t worsen symptoms
Access to sunglasses, earplugs, or headphones if bothered by light or noise
Reduced driving or physical activity
Extended time to complete tasks
Reduced screen time, such as on computers and tablets
Limited or no use of machinery or heavy equipment
Access to assistive technology to help perform tasks, like screen reading and magnification software

The jobs of public safety officers (such as law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical care providers) can include tasks that involve intense physical activity, operating vehicles, and high stress situations. Employers of public safety officers may consider providing alternate tasks for public safety officers recovering from a TBI when possible.

Support

There are many organizations helping people with a TBI and their family during recovery. See the Where to Get Help webpage for more information on organizations that can provide support for persons living with a TBI and their families.

CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health develops partnerships, conducts research, and implements intervention strategies focused on improving workplace safety.

More information on TBI and other injuries among service members, Veterans, and public safety officers are available from CDC and other federal agencies. Examples include:

The Report to Congress on Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Understanding the Public Health Problem among Current and Former Military Personnel [PDF – 130 pages], developed by CDC, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, includes an overview of TBI among service members and Veterans. It also includes several considerations to address this important public health problem.
Data on TBI among service members and Veterans can be found on the Department of Veterans Affairs website. Visit the Military Health System’s Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence website for more information and support for service members, Veterans, and families and caregivers.

A Head for the Future - A traumatic brain injury prevention initiative for the military community, Learn more.