RESCUE PLANS

In most jurisdictions, the regulations recognize that a worker who has fallen and been suspended in a harness is in a dire situation.  Although there is much controversy and differing opinions about the risk of hanging in a harness, we all agree that suspension definitely aggrevates the fallen worker’s condition.  A worker who is using a harness rarely hits the ground but will almost certainly be injured.  Rescue plans are required for workers using fall arrest systems but also for any work done on platforms only accessed by ladders or in restricted or confined spaces.  The rescue plan often will often define the training required for an effective response.