Creating a Fall Rescue Plan That Works

If you asked a safety manager to describe a fall incident success story, they would probably describe a fall protection system that arrested a free fall and did so without injuring the user. What many people don’t realize is that the arrested free fall is only half the story. What happens after a fall has been arrested can have an equally profound effect on the outcome of a fall incident. A worker who experiences a fall may be spared initial injury, but without prompt rescue, the worker could suffer negative health consequences due to prolonged suspension in their harness. Suspension trauma is a consequence of prolonged vertical suspension and can result in brain injury or even death. Suspension trauma is the driving force behind the requirement for a fall rescue plan. Let’s take a look at some of the key components that go into creating an effective fall rescue plan.

Timing
In the OSHA Fall Protection Code 1910.66, the guidelines for fall rescue say that “prompt” action be taken to move a suspended worker to the next safest lower level. OSHA does not define “prompt” in this regulation, but within OSHA 1910.151, Medical Aid, OSHA also references the word “prompt,” which is supported by a letter of interpretation. This letter clarifies “prompt” as “being able to provide medical aid within 4 minutes if there is a potential for injury” or “15 minutes if the program administrator deems that no potential exists for injury to the fallen worker.” This means that if there is any chance of injury or a chance the worker could be knocked unconscious during a free fall, OSHA requires a 4 minute response time (based on current wording).

It is important to understand that after 3 to 5 minutes of being suspended in a harness, the negative effects of suspension trauma begin to accumulate. A fall rescue that requires more than 15 minutes to be executed risks the need for subsequent medical rescue, even after the worker has been safely removed from a suspended position. Another thing to note is that suspension trauma effects are variable due to things like worker weight and overall worker health and health history.

Equipment
Familiarity with your rescue equipment can save valuable seconds in a fall rescue. Consult your rescue equipment manufacturer for details on the applications and tolerances of your rescue equipment, and be sure that manufacturer recommended safety guidelines are followed. Some manufacturers even offer training courses in fall rescue using their equipment. Also, regularly inspect and test fall rescue equipment for any signs of wear or damage that could impede optimal functionality.

Training
No fall rescue plan can work optimally without proper training. As mentioned above, some manufacturers have developed programs to help you create a fall rescue plan. Independent companies experienced in safety consulting can also help to customize a plan to meet the needs of your facility. It is important, in a fall emergency, to know who in your facility is trained and qualified to provide effective rescue. It is recommended that site safety managers ensure that competent persons and fall protection system users regularly run rescue drills. If an outside rescue team will be performing the rescue (like a fire department), involve the fire department in rescue drills.

Coordination
Practice makes perfect. It may be cliché, but the best way to provide a coordinated and effective rescue is to be well versed in the procedure. This means pre-planning the best locations and approaches to a fall rescue within your facility and practicing each step of the fall rescue plan with the workers who will be performing the actual rescue. Practicing can mean a timely, fluid, and error-free rescue when time is of the essence. Knowing what equipment will be needed and having it available at the proper locations can also trim valuable seconds from your rescue effort.

Thanks for reading!

Michael Evanko
Marketing Manager