Page 16 - OHS, June 2024

FALL PROTECTION
Avoid Suspension Trauma with a
Comprehensive Fall Protection Program
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Fall protection and awareness of suspension trauma are essential for ensuring workplace safety, as proper equipment use and effective rescue plans can prevent injuries and save lives.
BY PHILIP JACKLIN
It’s an unfortunate fact that falls have been a leading cause of injury and death in the workplace, in construction and in gen- eral industries. Falls don’t just occur in the workplace though. Even if workers are off the clock and at home, each year roughly
500,000 Americans visit the emergency room after falling off or get- ting injured from a ladder. In the workplace, employers are legally required by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administra- tion (OSHA) to provide fall protection for employees who will work over four feet off the ground, or to their next lower level.
Fall protection equipment can be any device, apparatus, or other personal protective equipment (PPE) that aims to pro- tect workers from falling off their walking working surface or the consequences of falling. Equipment like guardrails actively
prevents people from falling. Furthermore, fall arrest equipment refers to the specific equipment that does not necessarily prevent a worker from falling but can successfully suspend the worker before hitting the ground below if manufacturer instructions are followed. These pieces of equipment could include—but are not limited to—body harnesses, lanyards or self-retracting lifelines (SRLs). However, once a worker’s fall is successfully arrested with their fall arrest equipment, one hazard is replaced by another. Re- maining upright for too long and developing symptoms like low blood pressure is referred to as orthostatic intolerance. It plays a significant factor in developing suspension trauma, but its effects can be mitigated if workers are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms.
14 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2024
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