Head injury in the workplace: How first aiders are trained to respond

A report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that in 2023/34 there were 5,821 head injuries at work, making up 9% of the total workplace injuries. Head injuries are common and could be caused by a fall or a bang to the head, therefore it’s important that your team have the skills and confidence to help if a head injury occurs in your workplace.

How our training prepares first aiders to help someone with a head injury in the workplace

Course learners will discover how to recognise the signs and symptoms of someone who may have a head injury and learn the vital first aid steps to help them.

To make the learning experience dynamic and effective, we include trainer-led scenarios that present possible complications to challenge and develop problem-solving skills. Learners also engage in discussions about prioritising situations based on seriousness. Additionally, helpers work collaboratively to decide if a casualty should be sent to the hospital, justifying their decisions and reasoning - an activity that simulates real-world decision-making under pressure.

By combining hands-on re-enactment exercises with lively discussions, our courses provide a well-rounded learning experience. With these activities, learners gain practical skills, sharpen their critical thinking, and leave with the confidence to act decisively in emergencies.

What happens when someone has a head injury?

Most head injuries tend to be minor and often do not require emergency medical attention. However, the severity of the injury depends on the nature of the impact. For example, falling from a height or being involved in a road traffic accident, could result in more serious consequences. Even if the person appears unharmed, it’s important to be cautious, as head injuries can sometimes cause unseen damage to the brain. In such cases, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

Symptoms of a serious head injury can sometimes present themselves after several hours and the person:

• may have banged their head
• say that their head hurts
• might have a headache
• might have a lump may on their head.

In what workplace situations or environments are people likely have a head injury?

Head injuries are a potential hazard across all work environments, but some industries face significantly higher risks due to the nature of their activities:

• Construction – there is a higher risk of slips, trips, falls and falling objects
• Manufacturing – operating machinery and handling tools
• Health and social care – there is an increased risk of violence
• Sports – high impact sports e.g. boxing

The firefighting, mining, maritime, military and public safety industries also have a high risk of head injuries.

What to do if someone has a head injury in the workplace

If someone has a head injury at work, take the following steps:

1. Ask them to rest and apply something cold to the injury such as an icepack, if you’ve not got an icepack, you could use frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel.
2. Applying something cold to the injury for up to 20 minutes will reduce external swelling and pain.
3. When a person has a blow to the head, their brain can be shaken inside the skull. This may cause a more serious concussion which can make them feel sick or drowsy.
4. Call 999 if they become drowsy, repeatedly vomit or their condition gets worse.

It’s also advisable to seek medical attention if they are over 65 years of age, they have had brain surgery in the past, they are taking anti-coagulant blood thinning medication such as blood-thinners or aspirin or if they have been intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.

It’s important to remember that sometimes the signs of a more serious head injury are not immediately apparent, so the person should not be left alone following a head injury.

How can you be prepared for someone having a head injury in the workplace?

Responding quickly is critical if you suspect someone is has a head injury - the sooner you act and get help the better the outcome for the person. So, it’s important that you have people in your team who have the skills and confidence to Intervene in a first aid emergency.

This begins with equipping employees with the skills and confidence needed to act decisively in a first aid situation, particularly when it comes to head injuries, which can range from minor bumps to life-threatening conditions.

Conducting a thorough first aid needs assessment is a key step in identifying risks within your workplace and determining the level of first aid provision required. Ensuring an adequate number of team members are trained in first aid and have access to essential first aid supplies can make all the difference when time is critical.

Our 3-day First Aid at Work course and 2-day First Aid at Work Requalification course, feature training on how to help someone who has a head injury.