Using the narratives of Ontarians with a work-related traumatic brain injury to inform injury prevention: A mixed methods approach.

BACKGROUND

Work-related traumatic brain injury (wrTBI) is the most significant occupational injury associated with death and disability. Few studies have investigated injury text narratives to inform prevention strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors leading to wrTBI in male and female workers utilizing the Person-Environment-Occupation (P-E-O) framework.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of the medical records of 98 consecutive Ontario workers with a diagnosed wrTBI was performed. Sociodemographic, occupational, injury-related, clinical, and environmental data were collected from medical assessments and insurers' files. A mixed methods approach was employed to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Five occupational hazard themes emerged from the injury narratives: unexplained person factor, action by co-worker, external environment, safety measures, and equipment malfunction. Male workers were more likely than female workers to experience a wrTBI due to an equipment breakdown or malfunction. Statistically significant sex differences were observed across P-E-O factors.

CONCLUSION

Efforts directed at identifying and remedying various injury patterns are necessary for the development of brain injury primary prevention recommendations, to reduce the prevalence of these vastly impactful incidents.