Concussions are brain injuries and can be caused when a bump, blow or jolt to the head or neck, or a hit to the body causes the brain to move or twist inside the skull. Concussions are often called “invisible” injuries, because many of the symptoms are only apparent to the person with the concussion. Although awareness of the seriousness of concussions has significantly improved, they are still common and often missed or minimized.

September is Concussion Awareness Month, and educators are given training about Rowan’s Law and how to recognize and prevent concussions. In Policy/Program Memorandum 158, the Ministry of Education requires all school boards to have a policy on concussion safety for students.

But what about your brain? Teachers and education workers are vulnerable to concussions and every year there are educators who experience life changing brain injuries at work. From being hit by balls to violent incidents to slips, trips and falls, your workplace is full of hazards that could lead to concussions.

Workers in education seek WSIB claims for:

• Head injuries more often than any other body part
• Concussions at nearly double the provincial average

It’s important that your board and your school have protections in place that will keep you safe, and procedures that will ensure that workers with potential concussions get prompt and appropriate care.

Your health and safety representative and Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) get reports of injuries and discuss how to prevent them. Some things that could be considered:

• What causes the head injuries reported to the JHSC?
• What protections do the school and school board have in place to prevent head injuries for workers?
• What happens when there is a workplace incident that could cause a concussion?
• Are all workplace concussions that require lost time or medical care being reported to the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB), even when the symptoms emerge hours or days after the injury?

ETFO members are in the business of nurturing young brains, but don’t forget that everyone’s brain should be safe at work and school!