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Seven tips to prevent suspension trauma

Published: 31st May 2021
Author: Submitted by BBF Safety Group Corporate Marketing

Suspension trauma – or harness hang syndrome – is a life-threatening condition that occurs after a fall when the human body is held upright without any movement for a period of time. The good news is that it can be avoided with the right knowledge and training. Here are seven tips on how you can prevent suspension trauma.

#1 Prevent falls from occurring 
This may seem like an obvious one, but the first step to preventing suspension trauma is to avoid a fall from actually occurring. This can be achieved by doing proper planning, assessing the various risk factors, utilising the correct working at heights equipment and ensuring that all individuals who are working at a height have completed competency training. 
 
#2 Get back on the structure 
In the event that a fall occurs, it is encouraged that the victim climbs back onto the structure that they have fallen from, if possible, instead of waiting to be rescued. With a proper briefing before work commences on site, individuals will be better prepared to consider this as an option should they experience a fall, when the adrenaline is pumping. 
 
#3 Use a harness with a standing step 
To allow a suspended body to move, it is recommended that individuals working at height make use of harnesses fitted with a standing step. This will enable the fallen victim to move his/her legs – one at a time, releasing pressure of the harness on the groin area and better enabling oxygenated blood to flow throughout the body – whilst awaiting rescue. 
 
#4 No standing step? Go to plan B 
Should the individual’s harness not be fitted with a standing step, but allows for work positioning, a victim can utilise their work positioning lanyard to form a loop that acts in the same manner as a standing step. Alternatively, a make-shift standing step can be created with the use of an open round sling that is connected with a victim’s harness with the use of a carabineer. 
 
#5 Time is of the essence  
Timing is crucial in the prevention of suspension trauma. It is therefore crucial to have a suitable and efficient rescue plan in place in the event of a fall. Rescue kits should be kept within easy reach to prevent unnecessary delays and it is recommended that rescuers are trained periodically in the correct procedures. This is important as after a fall, panic sets in and individuals experience an adrenaline rush. The better skilled and more rehearsed the rescuer is at performing a rescue, the more efficient the rescue will be.  
 
#6 Proper medical surveillance is essential 
The effects of suspension trauma are not necessarily over when an individual has been rescued. Due to the potential toxicity in the blood, the individual must remain in a seated position for a period of time after the rescue. It is imperative that proper medical surveillance is implemented post the rescue. 
 
#7 Do not work alone

As far as possible, avoid working alone. Individuals should never work at heights alone or without the presence of a competent individual who is trained in performing rescue.   

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