An individual experiences suspension trauma, also known as harness-induced pathology or orthostatic shock, when they are hung in a harness for an extended period, which causes blood to pool in the legs and reduces circulation. As a result, suspension trauma can lead to various injuries, both fatal and non-fatal.
Due to the condition’s severity and how commonly it affects those employed within heavy-duty sectors, authorities like Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have mandated certain protocols to follow if you are to keep your employees safe and finish the project within the set time frame.
Here’s an in-depth exploration of suspension trauma and what to do when encountering someone experiencing it.
Recognizing The Signs
Recognizing the symptoms of suspension trauma is critical for prompt management and the prevention of additional injury. Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, pale skin, fast breathing, elevated heart rate, and nausea are possible symptoms. But it’s crucial to remember that victims could not always show clear symptoms, necessitating a thorough evaluation. Ask specific inquiries, keep an eye out for any physical or physiological changes, and study the victim’s behaviour to see if they seem uncomfortable or feel anything out of the ordinary.
The symptoms and warning indicators of suspension trauma are frequently covered in our fall protection training, empowering employees to be watchful and proactive in spotting any signs of distress. Organizations can give their employees the knowledge and abilities they need to successfully identify the symptoms of suspension stress by adding our fall protection training into their safety programs.
Delivering First Aid
To reduce the hazards, delivering first aid to whoever is experiencing suspension stress right away is essential. Pressure relief in the lower limbs and resumption of blood flow to important organs are the main objectives. If at all feasible, lie the wounded straight on the floor or another firm surface to administer first assistance. Elevate their legs for better blood flow and venous return. Any restrictive garments, belts, or harnesses that could further restrict blood flow should be loosened.
The victim’s vital indicators, such as breathing, heart, and degree of consciousness, must be closely watched. To reduce their fear and stress, reassure them and maintain your composure. For prompt expert aid, contact emergency medical services and adhere to their instructions throughout the procedure.
Lessons on basic life support procedures and emergency response are taught to all workers in a good fall protection program, giving them the skills they need to act quickly in the event of suspension trauma occurrences. They will also be instructed on the proper procedures to follow, such as how to raise the legs, position the victim, remove any restrictive clothing, and deliver CPR, among others.
To guarantee that the sufferer receives the proper care, our fall protection training also stresses the significance of contacting a professional medical facility as soon as possible. This way, you may guarantee that employees are ready to provide prompt and efficient care in suspension trauma scenarios by implementing first aid training into their fall protection programs.
Adhering to Rescue Procedures
A safe and successful reaction to suspension trauma occurrences depends on following recognized rescue techniques. The rescue effort should be started by trained professionals who have the required expertise and tools. A methodical and controlled descent should be used to cut down on suspension time. The victim’s safety is the primary concern throughout the entire operation; thus, communicating effectively and collaborating between rescue team members is essential.
Workers who receive our fall protection training become familiarised with the unique rescue techniques and procedures for occurrences involving suspension trauma. They gain knowledge in scenario assessment, teamwork, and controlled descent techniques while also using the right equipment.
This training course also stresses the value of keeping open lines of communication, following predetermined rescue plans and working as an effective team while performing rescue operations. Firms can improve their capacity to react quickly and safely in suspension trauma scenarios, ensuring the safety of both the victim and the rescue crew.
Deploying Preventive Measures
There are various preventative measures that you can take to reduce the threat of suspension trauma incidents, all of which can be learned in our fall protection training program. Some of these areas include hazard identification, safe work practices, and the correct usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), to name a few. But that’s not all.
You should also emphasize the importance of regular equipment inspections to identify any signs of damage, wear, or expiration. Promptly replace defective or expired components to maintain the effectiveness of preventive measures. Establish and enforce a strong safety culture that promotes awareness, risk assessment, and proactive hazard mitigation.
Regular safety meetings, toolbox talks, and ongoing training programs contribute to creating a safe working environment. Encourage workers to report any concerns or near misses related to fall hazards, fostering a proactive approach to safety.
By opting for our fall protection training for your employees, you’ll be able to incorporate practical exercises and demonstrations of the measures mentioned above, learn how to use fall protection equipment and follow guidelines correctly.
To become trained in occupational first aid and working in confined spaces, we have various courses running throughout the year to help you maintain standards while working on-site. Check out our resources section for more lesson summaries and workforce resources.
