Feature written by: James Careless, a Freelance Writer
Report from the OH&S Canada magazine (Summer 2024)
Even with the best training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and responsible operational procedures, accidents do occur when people fall while working at height. In cases where the person cannot recover themselves, safe and effective response by others on the job site is essential.
“Workers who fall and become suspended in their fall arrest harness need to be rescued immediately,” says Mathew MacLeod, senior technical specialist in occupational health and safety with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). “Suspension trauma can occur if they’re left hanging for too long, which happens due to blood pooling in the lower body, reducing the amount of oxygen available to the brain. The worker may also have sustained an injury from the actual fall, require medical attention, and could be unconscious.”
Assess the Risks Accurately
The dangers associated with rescues at height can be properly identified by accurate risk assessments before, during, and after such rescues have taken place. The goal is to assess the risks as accurately as possible in the planning stage — with constant updates to the plan over time — then cope with unexpected risks during the actual rescue and incorporate the ‘lessons learned’ from that response into the rescue plan for next time.
“Developing a systematic and comprehensive method for identifying hazards and assessing risk is essential,” MacLeod says. “The team responsible for developing the rescue plan needs to identify all hazards that may cause harm to workers during the initial work and a potential rescue. Hazards that can cause damage to equipment or infrastructure, including any damage that could impact the rescue, also need to be identified.”
Train the Rescue Team Repeatedly
Creating a rescue at heights plan is one thing. Making it work in practice is another. Achieving this second goal requires choosing rescuers with the right experience, and then training them repeatedly to keep their skills – including first aid and CPR – fresh.
The skills that height rescuers require are many and daunting, which is why regular training is so important. “Methods may include ladder rescue, elevating work platform rescue, using the lifeline to retrieve the worker, rescuers rappelling down to retrieve the worker, pulling a worker from an area below, using emergency equipment to reach the worker such as a crane basket, rope rescue, and other methods,” MacLeod says. “Always ensure any equipment required to perform the rescue successfully has been inspected and maintained and can be accessed immediately in the event of a rescue.”
Now for some good news: “Fall rescue experts can help develop a training regimen that is specific to the tasks, work environment, and the types of possible rescue procedures that will be used,” MacLeod says. “Do your due diligence when selecting a training provider by asking for references, plus the qualifications and experience of the trainers. You can also consult your local fire department and health and safety regulator for additional guidance.”
The Bottom Line
There is much more to an effective rescue at heights plan than can be sketched out in a single article. But the basics are here, provided by an expert who knows this subject inside and out.
For this reason, OHS Canada asked MacLeod for his ‘bottom line’ advice to rescuers and their managers. Some of it touches upon what has already been stated above, but is so vital that it bears repeating.
First and foremost, “rescuers require a comprehensive set of skills and expertise,” MacLeod says. “They need to be trained and familiar with the rescue plan and procedures, any required equipment, and the hazards associated with the work and rescue.”
Second, “performing rescue at heights requires specialized training and experience,” he stresses. “This requires frequent training, including drills and simulated rescues, to ensure the safety of workers and rescuers. Rescuers should also receive first aid and CPR training.”
Third, “before a task involving working at heights, rescuers should immediately report any concerns to the supervisor,” MacLeod says. “If conditions or factors pose a risk to workers or may impact a rescue, this needs to be addressed before the work begins.”
Fourth, “inspect and maintain any equipment you will be required to use and ensure any defective equipment is replaced.” Finally, “if rescuers have any concerns with their training or the rescue plan, they need to report this to their supervisor so it can be addressed.”
This is a very conscientious report and is well written.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Fall Protection’ and ‘Working at Heights’. (Not Fall Rescue)
Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.