Traumatic brain injury occurring at work

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurring in the workplace carries major economic repercussions such as lost wages and hospital costs. Little is known about the profile of risk factors for work-related traumatic brain injury. AIMS: This study describes the pre-injury demographic characteristics, injury-related characteristics and outcomes of work-related TBI and compares them with those of non work-related TBI. This study aims to provide profiles of work-related TBI to improve our understanding and awareness of TBI in the workplace and to better inform prevention efforts. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using the Comprehensive Data Set (CDS) of Ontario (Canada) Trauma Registry (OTR) from 1993 to 2001. Cases with the ICD-9-CM codes for head injury were included in the database of serious injuries from lead trauma hospitals. RESULTS: The study identified 950 (7.3%) people with work-related TBI. Pre-injury demographics and injury-related characteristics of work-related TBI were significantly different from non work-related TBI such as age, gender, mechanisms of injury, Injury Severity Score, length of stay and in-hospital death. DISCUSSION: This research provides the first comprehensive overview of work-related TBI based on Canadian data. It identifies high risk profiles to better target prevention.