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.”
Creating an effective ‘working at heights’ rescue plan
Because working at heights can be inherently dangerous, health and safety managers need to devise and implement a rescue plan before an incident happens.
To create an effective rescue plan, “involve qualified individuals competent in rescue at heights, including those doing the work,” MacLeod says. “Make sure the plan is specific for the job you are planning for, considering the hazards, location, tasks being performed, environmental conditions, how and where a worker could fall and the type of rescue that would be needed, among other factors. You’ll also need to identify the hazards associated with the rescue and how a rescue will be initiated to ensure the plan is appropriate and the required equipment is available and maintained.”
That’s not all: An effective working at heights rescue plan will need to be designed for quick yet safe deployment, and backed by first aid training for rescuers, along with provisions to access outside medical aid fast. “The quickest route to the hospital should be mapped out,” MacLeod says. “In locations far from a hospital, additional measures may be needed to ensure a worker can receive appropriate medical attention, if required.”
PPE for rescuers, communications procedures, and step-by-step rescue procedures need to be included in the rescue plan. The types of PPE required will depend on the hazards and risks associated with anticipated rescue scenarios, as will the communications and rescue procedures selected.
“Common personal protective equipment could include fall protection equipment, head protection, eye protection, high-visibility apparel, gloves, or safety footwear,” MacLeod says. “A first-aid kit and rescue equipment and accessories will also be required. You also need to identify the most effective means of communication. This may include using radios, cell phones, headsets, always maintaining direct voice communication or other means.”
Attn: The 2nd half of the report will be added tomorrow, December 02, 2025.
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.