Affiliations: Department of Occupational Science and Occupational
Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada | Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Angela Colantonio, Department of
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University
of Toronto, Rehabilitation Sciences Building, 500 University Ave., Toronto, ON,
M5G 1V7, Canada. Tel.: +1 416 978 1098; E-mail: angela.colantonio@utoronto.ca
Abstract: Background: Consequences of traumatic brain injury underscore the
need to study high-risk groups. Few studies have investigated work-related
traumatic brain injuries (WrTBIs) in the construction industry. Objective: To examine WrTBIs in Ontario for the construction industry compared
to other industries. Methods: A retrospective study of individuals who
sustained a WrTBI and had a clinical assessment as an outpatient at a
hospital-based referral centre. Data were collected for a number of factors
including demographic, injury and occupation and were analyzed according to the
Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model. Participants: 435 individuals
who sustained a WrTBI. Results: There were 19.1% in the construction
industry, 80.9% in other industries. Compared to other industries,
individuals in the construction industry were more likely to be male, to not
have attained post-secondary education, and experience multiple traumas. WrTBIs
in the construction industry were commonly due to elevated work. The
construction occupations involved included skilled workers and general
labourers, and compared to other industries, WrTBIs occurred most often for
those employed for a short duration in the construction industry. Conclusions: Construction industry workers experience serious WrTBIs that are
amenable to prevention. Use of the PEO model increased our understanding of
WrTBIs in the construction industry.
