PART ONE: Rescue Plans OSHA 1926.502 (d)(20)

When OSHA writes a law, they usually need to use the verbose and flowery terminology of governmental law. However, there are many times when I will experience a law or some other political statement that I feel can be easily summarized in far fewer words. Even though OSHA 1926.502 (d)(20) is only one sentence long, it can be shortened to a mere three words: provide prompt rescue.

OSHA 1926.502 (d)(20) officially states that:
“The employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves.”

When you whittle down this rule, the core of the meaning is that employers need to provide some form of rescue if a fall occurs. It may seem silly, but this law is the only official OSHA requirement revolving around rescue plans. And, quite frankly, it seems like a pretty obvious and simple concept. In many ways, the simplicity is unsettling. OSHA says, “Make sure you have a rescue plan for your employees.” Is that it? Do we get any other information? Maybe we could discuss what things are officially seen as hazards or perhaps we could describe different types of situations that can cause problems during a rescue. But, no, this law is the only thing that OSHA truly requires. Spooky…in a way…

However, OSHA 1910.146 Appendix F does provide guidelines for a rescue team development and evaluation process. While this appendix is a non-mandatory reference tool, it provides useful insights for developing an effective rescue plan. It covers a range of general and specific steps and actions that can be taken to ensure your workplace is prepared to carry out a prompt rescue in the case of a fall event.

There are two different evaluation processes for rescue teams or services to prove their abilities to provide efficient and effective rescue in the event of a fall at a specific workplace. First, a rescue team must go through a two-phase initial evaluation process. This process establishes that the team has the necessary training and equipment in order to help prevent injury from hazards in that particular industry. And the second phase of the initial evaluation requires that the rescue team or service is able to reach the work site or industrial location in a timely fashion.

If a rescue team meets those requirements, then they are asked to participate in a performance evaluation. Essentially, they will need to prove that they know how to rescue a worker in that particular industry in all of the potential ways that they may experience a fall. If the team can prove that they know how to save someone from a variety of industry specific fall event circumstances, then, that team can be considered as a fall rescue team for that company. Safety inspectors and other people in industrial management positions have the right to decide which team is adequately prepared to perform a rescue in that particular setting.

In next week’s blog, we will discuss the different criteria that need to be considered when enlisting the help of a rescue team or service. And, we will be explaining the different factors that need to be considered when developing a fall rescue plan.

Stay Safe!

Hannah Addison