Suspension trauma toolbox talk

What it is

Loss of consciousness or injury from hanging motionless in a harness after a fall is arrested.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Avoid relying on fall arrest by using fall prevention, such as guardrails or elevated work platforms, wherever possible.
2. Prepare a rescue plan before work starts that can reach a suspended worker quickly without relying on emergency services.
3. Keep rescue equipment on site, and make sure workers are trained and practised in using it.
4. Never let anyone work alone in a fall-arrest harness; someone must be able to raise the alarm and start rescue.
5. Fit harnesses correctly and use suspension relief straps so a suspended worker can stand in them and move their legs.
6. Get medical assessment for anyone who has been suspended in a harness, even if they seem well.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with suspension trauma:

• Fall arrest System –SetupSet up the fall arrest system and check fall clearanceFrom Safety Harness
• Working at height using a fall arrest system – the safety harnessInspect and fit the harness, plan the fall arrest system and anchor points, and rehearse the rescue plan.From Height Access Equipment
• Emergency responseRespond to emergencies, including suspension traumaFrom Hoarding Installation Removal
• Anchor point set upPlan, install and certify the fall arrest anchor pointsFrom Safety Harness
• Climbing the craneClimb the crane ladders safely, with fall arrest and a rescue planFrom Crane Overhead Bridge Gantry

Questions for the crew

1. Where could suspension trauma come up on this job today?
2. Is any of this work on today's job: Fall arrest System –Setup; Working at height using a fall arrest system – the safety harness?
3. The most effective control is: “Avoid relying on fall arrest by using fall prevention, such as guardrails or elevated work platforms, wherever possible”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
4. Which controls for suspension trauma are missing or not working on this site?
5. When would you stop work because of suspension trauma, and who would you tell?
6. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?