Farmers perform many everyday tasks that can result in head injury, including building, demolishing and repairing structures, operating and repairing machinery, felling or trimming trees, and entering or exiting buildings with low door clearances.
The brain is one of our most fragile organs. It floats inside the skull and is attached to it by a network of delicate fibers. A jolt to the head can tear blood vessels inside the brain and cause swelling, reducing blood flow throughout the brain.
If a coworker suffers a head injury, try to keep them still until help arrives. If the victim isn’t breathing, check for a pulse and administer CPR if necessary. Never apply pressure to a bleeding head wound — it may push bone fragments into the brain. Instead, apply a clean, soft cloth gently to the wound.
Contact emergency services immediately if someone suffers a head injury and is unconscious. If the victim is out for only a few minutes, they probably have a mild concussion. After waking, the person may be disoriented or confused. Within some 45 minutes, normal functioning usually returns. If the person is still unconscious after 45 minutes, the injury is more serious. The person may exhibit rapid, deep breathing or a slow pulse caused by rising pressure inside the skull.
Evidence of a brain injury may not be observable for several hours. Following a head injury, no matter how minor the incident may seem, the victim should be monitored for 48 hours.
Watch for these 10 signs of serious injury, which can indicate a fractured skull or increased pressure inside the head:
- Fluid or blood coming from the nose or ears
- Bruising around the eyes or ears
- Persistent vomiting
- Large or unresponsive pupils
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty speaking
- Severe and worsening headache
- Double vision
- Excessive drowsiness
- Convulsions
If any of these symptoms are present, seek help immediately.
Hard hats generally consist of a hard shell made of aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic. They feature a plastic or nylon suspension system. Most hard hats today are designed to meet safety standards. They are lightweight and generally include a full brim to protect wearers from the sun. Interior pieces may be replaceable, and some models feature a ratcheting knob to ensure a tight and comfortable fit. The suspension system is the energy-absorbing mechanism. Waterproof or cotton polyester blend linings are available for warmth in the winter.
Hard hats are organized into two categories: Type I helmets and Type II helmets. Type 1 helmets only provide impact and penetration resistance for the top of the hard hat. Type II helmets protect the front, back, sides, and the top of the head. Further classification of hard hats requires a designation for the potential for electrical contact.
To maintain your hard hat, periodically check for damage, such as dents or cracks. Never use a damaged hard hat. Either replace damaged parts or buy a new one. Don’t attempt to fix a hat with adhesives. There’s no reliable way to ensure that impact qualities will be retained. Using a hard hat with broken nylon suspensions negates the purpose. Never store a hard hat where it will be exposed to sunlight, such as in the back window of a vehicle. Ultraviolet light can damage and weaken nonmetallic materials such as plastic. Ultraviolet damage first shows up as dullness in the shell, known as chalking. The surface then begins to flake away and degrade. A hat exhibiting these signs should be replaced immediately. Hard hats can become outdated even with limited usage.
