A Fall Rescue Plan (FRP) is a set of guidelines to be followed when someone falls while working at an elevation. The FRP aims to minimize the risk of injury and ensure that the fallen person can be safely rescued. Employers should communicate the FRP to all employees who work at height and train them to implement the plan properly.
Why Do You Need a Fall Rescue Plan?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 887 people died in falls from heights in 2018. A fall rescue plan can help to prevent injuries and fatalities by providing a clear set of procedures to follow during a fall.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) demands all employers have a site-specific fall protection plan if employees work at a height of six feet or above the ground. The FRP should include procedures for preventing falls and rescuing workers who have fallen.
The plan must be accessible to all employees who work at height and must be trained to implement it properly.
How to Create a Fall Rescue Plan?
First, employers must review the rules and regulations that apply to their workplace. Next, employers need to assess the fall hazards at their workplace and determine what type of fall protection is needed. After that, they need to develop procedures for preventing falls and rescuing workers who have already fallen. Finally, employers need to train their employees to properly implement the plan.
When creating a fall rescue plan, employers should consider the following:
• The type of work taking place
• The height of the work area
• The number of people working at a height
• The availability of fall protection equipment
• The ability of employees to safely use the fall protection equipment
• The need for a rescue plan
What Kind of Information Is Included in a Fall Protection Plan?
Every Fall Protection Plan should include the following eight parts,
A detailed description of the work to be done.
All potential fall hazards.
A description of the fall protection tools and methods in place.
A description of how the fall protection plan would be helpful.
Storage and maintenance measures for fall protection equipment
Details about head protection gear
A detailed rescue plan with complete information about handling an emergency
Training and certification details of employees
Essential Things to Remember While Writing a Fall Rescue Plan
There are a few key things to remember while writing a fall protection plan:
Suspension trauma is real. The condition can occur when someone falls and is suspended in a harness for an extended period. The person may lose consciousness and die if not rescued quickly.
Use a job hazard analysis to identify the locations most likely to have a fall hazard. Include a rescue plan for every work area where there is a potential for a fall.
Determine the appropriate type of fall protection for each work area.
Other important information included in the fall rescue plan is the types of rescue systems, types of safety equipment and quantity, etc. Ensure that employees are adequately trained in using the fall protection equipment and the procedures for implementing the rescue plan.
Create a Safer Workplace with Think Safety Always
Think Safety Always can train your employees in OSHA Fall Protection. Our onsite training ensures that your employees understand how to work safely at heights. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a safer workplace.
