Page 19 - OHS, June 2024

Proper donning procedure and ensuring the proper fit of a body harness is one of the most effective methods of preventing suspension trauma.
vigorously moving their legs up and down to promote blood flflow and increase circulation.
In recent years, manufacturers have strongly encouraged the ad- dition of suspension trauma straps to body harnesses. Many manufac- turers include harness options with trauma straps already integrated into the harness before purchase, but some users prefer to add them to their harness after purchase. While use slightly varies between manufacturers, these suspension trauma straps can be deployed to create a loop underneath the fall victim’s dangling feet. Once properly tensioned, the user can press their feet against the straps to encour-
age movement, improve circulation and increase blood flflow. If used properly, these straps can effffectively delay the effffects of orthostatic intolerance and reduce the long-term effffects of suspension trauma.
Conclusion
Suspension trauma will vary for each fall victim, but its effects can be potentially lessened if effective actions are taken during fall rescue procedures. Still, mitigating hazards is a reactionary mea- sure while attempting to eliminate hazards can proactively protect workers from suffering suspension trauma. The goal should always be to prevent the incident from occurring altogether, instead of planning to remedy issues only as they happen.
Increased awareness and training can greatly benefit an orga- nization’s fall protection program. Fostering a safety culture leads to a world with no falls, not just fewer. That vision starts with the initial design of a building’s architecture and requires partnership and cooperation from all levels of an organization. A more robust safety culture can help prevent injuries and save lives.
Philip Jacklin is the Continuing Education Program Manager for Diversified Fall Protection. Since 2018, Philip has been training workers nationwide on best practices when using their fall protec- tion, and advising safety managers, EHS leaders, plant maintenance managers, and other safety professionals on how to create more ef- ficient fall protection programs.
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