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Hazards
Falling From Heights
Product Information
After a fall, a worker comes to rest
supported by a full body harness. In this
post-fall suspension position, harness
webbing exerts pressure on the body in
various areas. In addition, the worker’s
legs are relatively motionless while
awaiting rescue. This combination of
webbing pressure and lack of leg motion
can lead to orthostatic intolerance, also
known as suspension trauma, a result of
blood “pooling” in the legs.
Without leg muscle movement and with
applied pressure from the harness leg
straps, blood flow back to the heart
and other vital organs is restricted.
This condition can lead to unconsciousness,
and ultimately serious injury or
death if proper blood flow is not
restored. It is critically important that
rescue be undertaken quickly and that
workers know how to help avoid this
dangerous situation.
The Suspension Trauma Safety Step is
designed to help workers in a post-fall
suspension position avoid the effects of
suspension trauma. The Safety Step
allows workers to relieve pressure by
inserting a foot into one of the step loops
and then standing up in the harness. The
flexing of leg muscles and release of
harness leg strap pressure stimulates
blood flow, helping to prevent the onset
of suspension trauma. Workers can use
a single Safety Step or two Safety Steps
(one for each leg) to provide additional
support, balance, and comfort.
