For employees, there are many workplace hazards that could lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as falling off of a ladder, slipping and hitting their head or falling objects, to name a few. Furthermore, people also suffer brain injuries outside of the workplace, which may also prevent them from working. In San Bernardino, and every other city throughout California, people who are dealing with the consequences of a TBI should try to focus on recovery, which may include going back to work.
According to the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey, those who have suffered a TBI may experience a number of consequences, including memory problems, emotional issues (depression or anger) and difficulty with concentration. Each brain injury is unique and the amount of time an employee will need to recover varies. Sometimes, people can return to work after a certain number of days or weeks, while others will not be able to return for months or years. Sometimes, workers who suffer a TBI cannot ever go back to work.
From writing notes to minimizing distraction in work spaces, there are various ways workers can make returning to work easier. Furthermore, some employers are able to reassign certain responsibilities to accommodate the employee. On their site, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a number of tips for those who wish to recover from a TBI. For example, people may want to work shorter schedules, ensure they get sufficient sleep, avoid alcohol and drugs that were not approved by a doctor and stay away from activities that are physically strenuous.