Damar Hamlin Incident – Cardiac Events in the Workplace

Damar Hamlin Incident – Cardiac Events in the Workplace

On Jan. 2, during the first quarter of an NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, Damar Hamlin, a defender for the Bills, tackled Tee Higgins, a wide receiver for the Bengals. Both players fell to the ground but quickly got back up. However, moments later, Hamlin collapsed again and did not get back up. First responders rushed to tend to Hamlin, who had gone into cardiac arrest.

Cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes, can happen to anyone at any time, but they are particularly common in the workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States, and they account for a significant number of workplace fatalities each year.

There are several factors that can increase the risk of cardiac events in the workplace. Physical exertion, stress, and exposure to certain chemicals and toxins can all contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. In addition, certain occupations, such as construction and manufacturing, tend to have higher rates of cardiac events due to the physical demands of the job.

Despite the efforts of safety professionals, cardiac events in the workplace are still a serious concern. Employers should be proactive in addressing this issue and ensuring the safety of their employees. By taking steps to prevent cardiac events and responding quickly in the event of an emergency, we can help reduce the number of workplace fatalities due to cardiovascular disease.