Page 53 - OHS, July/August 2021

ladder can be deployed from the original anchor point or a temporary anchor point within reach.
Rescue harnesses. Rescue harnesses include handles on the shoulders that allow nearby workers to hoist a fallen worker back onto safe footing. This should only be attempted for short fall distances where workers can safely reach the victim without putting themselves at risk of falling as well.
Recovery SRLs. Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) are best known as personal fall protection devices that serve a similar function to shock-absorbing lanyards. Recovery SRLs allow a rescuer to hoist a fall victim to safety with the help of an inbuilt winch mechanism.
Aerial work platforms. A personnel lift such as a bucket truck, boom lift or scissor lift can be used to retrieve a fallen worker if one is available on site and can safely reach the fallen worker’s height. Only use personnel lifts or rescue baskets intended to hold workers aloft; do not attempt to rescue workers using other construction equipment or vehicles.
Reporting an
Incident to OSHA
Any fall should be treated as a serious safety incident, even if no injuries occurred. Any fall incident that results in a worker losing consciousness, requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, or missing work (including restrictions on their ability to work) is considered a recordable incident, according to OSHA. You must report these incidents to OSHA by law.
You can use the follow forms to report a fall incident to OSHA:
■ OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work- Related Injuries and Illnesses)
■ OSHA Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses)
■ OSHA Form 301 (Injuries and
Illnesses Incident Report)
All three forms can be downloaded
from OSHA’s website.1 Record as many details of the incident as possible.
Following a reported incident, OSHA may conduct an inspection. If inspectors arrive, you must comply with their requests for documentation and information. A company representative has a right to be present and accompany all walkaround inspections.
Following the walkaround, the OSHA
inspector will discuss any observed violations. You can ask them questions about standards being cited and about the severity or penalties, but do not argue or try to negotiate. Ask them to send your company a record of any citations. Keep good notes and take photos and measurements during or immediately after the inspection. Correct any unsafe conditions the inspection revealed as quickly as possible.
We all hope to avoid workplace accidents and do what we can to prevent
falls. With any luck, you will not ever need to employ your rescue plan. But it is far better to have a plan, and not need it than to need a plan and not have it.
David Ivey oversees the product development of fall protection and safety equipment at Malta Dynamics.
REFERENCE
1. www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/RKforms.html
www.ohsonline.com
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Circle 25 on card.