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714 Fall Protection Program
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Responding to Falls

When an emergency occurs::

worker laying on surface after falling from ladder
It's important to act fast when someone falls.
  • First responders should clear a path to the victim. Others should direct emergency personnel to the scene. You can use 911 for ambulance service; however, most 911 responders are not trained to rescue a worker suspended in a personal fall-arrest system. Make sure only trained responders attempt a technical rescue.
  • Prohibit all non-essential personnel from the rescue site.
  • Talk to the victim; determine the victim's condition, if possible.
  • If you can reach the victim, check for vital signs, administer CPR, attempt to stop bleeding, and make the victim comfortable.

After an emergency:

  • Report fatalities and catastrophes to OSHA within eight hours.
  • Report injuries requiring overnight hospitalization and medical treatment (other than first aid) to OSHA within 24 hours.
  • Identify equipment that may have contributed to the emergency and put it out of service. Have a competent person examine equipment. If the equipment is damaged, repair or replace it. If the equipment caused the accident, determine how and why.
  • Document in detail the cause of the emergency.
  • Review emergency procedures. Determine how the procedures could be changed to prevent similar events; revise the procedures accordingly.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

9-6. At what point should you prohibit all non-essential personnel from the rescue site.