Invisible injuries, and why we donate to Brain Injury New Zealand

Why a height safety company funds a brain injury charity

Everything Fern Group does is about stopping people falling, or making sure the equipment works if they do. When a fall isn’t prevented, the head is what’s at risk.

WorkSafe New Zealand’s good practice guidance on working at height is explicit about it:

“When fall arrest systems are used, an appropriate safety helmet should be worn to protect the worker from head injury during an uncontrolled fall.”

WorkSafe New Zealand, Working at height in New Zealand, section 4.6, Harness systems.

So this isn’t a charity we picked at random. It’s the injury on the other side of the work we do.

Our founder’s story

Our founder suffered a concussion in his early 20s playing football. The symptoms were invisible from the outside, but inside he was in an incredible amount of pain from the concussion headaches.

After two years, some serious coin, and hundreds of appointments with physios, doctors, naturopaths, chiropractors and occupational therapists, he was able to heal himself from the concussion.

Invisible injuries are different

Whether it’s a concussion, depression or anxiety, they are all challenges that need support to help you on your recovery journey. They cause a great deal of suffering for not only the individual, but the family, friends and partners around them.

That’s the part people miss. There’s no cast, no crutches, nothing to point at. From the outside somebody looks fine, so they get treated as though they are — at work, at home, everywhere. The support has to be asked for, and asking is the hardest part when your head isn’t working properly.

This is why Fern Group donates to Brain Injury New Zealand — to create awareness around this invisible injury that many may be suffering quietly from.

About Brain Injury New Zealand

Brain Injury New Zealand is the national body representing fourteen regional Brain Injury Associations across the country. They provide advocacy, education and support to people affected by brain injury and their whānau. Each regional office offers support through liaison officers, educators and navigators, alongside support groups and social activities.

You can find your nearest association, or donate directly, on their website.