Construction Safety Association of Ontario

Fall protection must include an emergency rescue plan. How will you rescue a worker who has fallen and is suspended in a fall-arrest system? Answering some basic questions can help in developing a rescue plan.

1. Will someone see it happen?   Co-workers   Other trades   Plant personnel   Public 2. How will the worker call for help?   Voice   Whistle   Cell Phone   Telephone 3. Who will the worker call?   Nearest co-worker   Supervisor/employer   Building superintendent   911 where available   Fire department/ambulance 4. Is information available?   Emergency phone numbers   Site address   Directions and access for fire truck or other emergency services   Which floor/how high up   Worker’s condition after fall 5. How will rescue workers get to worker?   Ladder   Keys to building and roof   Elevator   Pull worker in through window or balcony   Pull worker up to roof   Climb/rappel down the building/structure   Aerial equipment from ground   Suspended access equipment

6. What rescue equipment is needed?   Ladder   Rolling scaffold   Suspended access equipment   Ropes   Aerial ladder truck   Boom truck or scissor lift   Climbing/rappelling equipment   First aid kit 7. What if the worker is injured?   Rescue within 15 minutes   Qualified first-aider   Emergency services notified   Hospital alerted 8. How will the public be protected?   Assign someone to direct traffic   Set up barriers 9. How will the accident scene be protected?   Prevent further injury or damage   Set up barriers   Preserve wreckage   Aid investigation later 10. Are there other considerations?   Working alone   Language barrier   Unusual features of building/structure   Wind   Other hazards   No 911 in area   No emergency services nearby   Distance from high rescue teams