Work-related deaths and traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) at the workplace is a significant contributor to the number of work-related deaths that occur per year. This study aimed to quantify and characterize these deaths in Ontario. METHODS: The study design was a case series with analytic and surveillance components. Data was obtained from the Chief Coroner's Office of Ontario from 1996-2000. RESULTS: A total of 488 work-related injury fatalities were identified. Evidence of TBI was apparent in 45% of these cases (n = 211). Industries with the highest rate of work-related TBI mortality expressed per 100,000 working population included primary industry (59.1), agriculture (24.5), construction (20.0) and transportation/communications/utilities industries (13.9). Deaths involving TBI were more likely to be due to falls than non-TBI-related deaths among workers (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this research indicate that prevention programmes should focus on decreasing falls at all ages and increasing the use of personal protective equipment.