Workplace concussion red flags you shouldn’t ignore
Concussions are usually associated with sport, but they can occur just as easily in Australian workplaces.
A fall from a ladder, a strike from moving equipment, a vehicle accident or even a seemingly minor knock to the head can result in a concussion that requires immediate attention.
One of the biggest challenges with concussion is that symptoms aren’t always obvious. A worker may appear alert and capable of continuing their duties, only for symptoms to worsen over the following minutes or hours. That’s why recognising potential concussion and understanding the warning signs is such an important workplace first aid skill.
The Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6) was developed to help non-medically trained people identify potential concussion-related signs and symptoms in children, adolescents and adults.
While it’s a valuable screening tool, it’s important to remember that it’s not designed to diagnose a concussion. Instead, it helps people recognise situations where further medical assessment is required.
In Australian workplaces, this early recognition can help prevent serious complications and ensure injured workers receive appropriate care as quickly as possible.
Why concussion is often underestimated in workplaces
Most workplace injuries are visible.
Cuts, burns, fractures and lacerations are often immediately obvious and prompt a quick response.
Concussions are different. Because concussion affects brain function rather than causing a visible wound, symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked.
A worker may simply complain of a headache, seem slightly confused or insist they’re fine despite having suffered a significant impact.
This can create a dangerous situation. Workers may continue performing tasks, operating machinery, driving vehicles or making decisions while experiencing impaired cognitive function.
Understanding concussion red flags at work helps you identify when a seemingly minor incident may actually require urgent medical attention.
Recognise concussion red flags immediately after an impact
Any impact to the head, face, neck or body that transmits force to the head should be taken seriously.
Even incidents that initially appear minor can result in concussion or more serious brain injury.
The CRT6 highlights the importance of recognising specific warning signs that require immediate action. These are known as red flags because they may indicate a more serious injury requiring urgent medical assessment.
If any red flags are observed or reported following an impact to the head or body:
1. Stop activity
2. Follow DRSABCD
3. Remove casualty if trained to do so
4. Send for immediate medical assistance
The priority is always preserving life, protecting the casualty from further harm and ensuring prompt access to professional medical care.
Why red flags matter more than a concussion diagnosis
Many people focus on whether someone has a concussion.
In reality, first aiders should focus on identifying red flags rather than attempting to diagnose the injury.
A diagnosis can only be made by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The role of workplace first aiders is to recognise signs that indicate urgent medical attention may be required.
Red flags suggest there may be a more serious brain injury, bleeding, swelling or neurological impairment occurring beneath the surface.
These situations require immediate escalation regardless of whether concussion is ultimately diagnosed.
Recognising these warning signs quickly can be life-saving.
Seizure or convulsion
A seizure or convulsion following a head injury is always considered a serious warning sign.
It may indicate significant disruption to brain function and requires immediate medical assessment. During a seizure, the casualty may experience uncontrolled body movements, muscle rigidity, loss of awareness or abnormal behaviour.
Workplace first aiders should protect the person from injury, avoid restraining them and seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
Deteriorating conscious state
Changes in consciousness should never be ignored after a head injury.
A worker who becomes increasingly drowsy, confused, difficult to wake or less responsive may be experiencing a serious brain injury. Sometimes these changes occur gradually, making them easy to overlook.
Continuous monitoring is essential because deterioration can happen rapidly.
Severe or increasing headache
Headaches are common following a concussion, but a headache that is severe or worsening over time is a significant red flag.
Increasing pain may indicate pressure changes within the skull or other serious complications. Workers should never be encouraged to simply push through a worsening headache after a head impact.
Medical assessment should be arranged immediately if symptoms intensify.
Weakness or numbness and tingling in more than one arm or leg
Loss of strength, altered sensation, numbness or tingling affecting multiple limbs may indicate neurological injury.
These symptoms can suggest damage affecting the brain, spinal cord or nervous system. Even if symptoms appear mild initially, they require urgent medical evaluation.
Delaying treatment may increase the risk of long-term complications.
Loss of vision or double vision
Visual disturbances following a head injury are never normal.
A worker may report blurred vision, loss of vision, seeing double or difficulty focusing. Because vision problems can indicate significant neurological involvement, they should be treated as a medical emergency.
The casualty should stop all activities immediately and receive urgent assessment.
Repeated vomiting
Repeated vomiting is considered a serious red flag.
Multiple episodes may indicate increasing pressure within the skull or other significant complications.
Workplace first aiders should carefully monitor the casualty and seek immediate medical assistance if repeated vomiting occurs following a head injury.
Loss of consciousness
Any loss of consciousness following an impact to the head or body requires careful assessment.
Even if the casualty regains consciousness quickly, the incident should not be dismissed. Loss of consciousness suggests the brain has been significantly affected by the injury.
Emergency medical evaluation is required to rule out more serious underlying conditions.
Visible deformity of the skull
A visible deformity, depression, swelling or abnormal shape of the skull may indicate a skull fracture or other serious injury.
These injuries require urgent medical attention. Workers should avoid applying unnecessary pressure to the affected area and should seek emergency assistance immediately.
Maintaining airway, breathing and circulation remains the primary first aid priority.
Increasingly restless, agitated or combative behaviour
Behavioural changes are sometimes overlooked because they may be mistaken for frustration, stress or emotional upset.
But increasing agitation, aggression, confusion or unusual behaviour following a head injury can indicate neurological deterioration. These changes often signal that the injury is becoming more serious.
Immediate medical assessment is required whenever a casualty becomes increasingly restless, agitated or combative.
What to do while waiting for medical assistance
Recognising red flags is only the first step.
Ongoing monitoring is equally important while waiting for emergency services or medical professionals to arrive.
The casualty should be kept comfortable and reassured. If unconscious but breathing normally, they should be placed in the recovery position if it’s safe to do so.
Continue to monitor:
- Conscious state
- Airway
- Breathing
- Circulation
- Changes in symptoms
Any deterioration should be communicated immediately to emergency responders.
Why workplace culture plays a role in concussion safety
One of the biggest barriers to effective concussion management is workplace culture.
In some industries, workers may feel pressure to shake it off and continue working after a knock to the head. This attitude can delay treatment and increase the risk of complications.
Workplaces that prioritise safety create environments where employees feel comfortable speaking up about injuries, concerns and symptoms reinforce a culture of trust and shared responsibility.
A strong safety cultures improve outcomes because workers are more likely to report incidents early and seek assistance when needed.
When it comes to concussion, early reporting and prompt action are critical.
Why training helps workers recognise the warning signs
Concussion symptoms can sometimes be subtle, which is why first aid training plays such an important role.
Workers who understand concussion red flags are more likely to identify problems early and respond appropriately. They also become more confident supporting injured colleagues while waiting for medical assistance.
Training should reinforce a simple principle that if there’s any doubt after a head injury, it’s always safer to seek medical advice.
A cautious approach protects both workers and workplaces.
Conclusion
Concussions can occur in any Australian workplace where workers are exposed to impacts, falls, moving equipment, vehicles or other hazards.
The Concussion Recognition Tool 6™ provides a valuable framework for identifying concussion-related warning signs, but it’s not a diagnostic tool. Its real value lies in helping non-medically trained people recognise red flags that require immediate medical attention.
By understanding symptoms such as seizures, worsening headaches, loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, visual disturbances and changes in behaviour, workplaces can respond quickly and effectively when head injuries occur.
Ultimately, recognising concussion red flags isn't about diagnosing a condition. It’s about protecting workers, preventing deterioration and ensuring people receive the care they need when every minute matters.
References
Safe Work Australia - Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces