Today we are going to talk about a term that comes up whenever the consequences of a fall during work at height are mentioned. First we will recall the function of a fall arrest safety harness, and then go in depth on tips to avoid harness syndrome in the event of an accident.
What Is a Harness for Work at Height?
A fall arrest safety harness is personal protective equipment designed to prevent injuries a worker may suffer when falling from a height of more than two meters. Harnesses are commonly used in jobs such as construction, maintenance, roofing, window cleaning, etc.
The harness has straps that are adjusted and fitted around the user’s torso, thighs, and shoulders so that the force of a fall is distributed across the whole body. It also has rings and anchor points for connecting it to a fall arrest system, such as a rope or a lifeline, which stops the fall safely.
The main function of a fall arrest harness is to protect the person from serious or fatal injuries in the event of a fall to a lower level, but it can be harmful if the person is left suspended under certain circumstances that cause harness syndrome.
What Is Harness Syndrome and When Does It Occur?
Harness syndrome, also known as suspension trauma or orthostatic intolerance, occurs when a person is left suspended in a safety harness for a period of time after a fall. This condition is dangerous and, in extreme cases, fatal if not treated quickly.
Harness syndrome is caused by restricted blood flow, especially in the legs, while the person remains suspended in an upright position. This can lead to blood pooling in the lower extremities, which reduces the return of blood to the heart and can cause:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Cerebral hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the brain).
- Circulatory collapse
- Loss of consciousness
- Organ damage
- Death if a timely rescue is not carried out.
The biggest problem is that, if no action is taken quickly, harness syndrome can cause serious complications, such as brain damage, heart failure, or even death. This happens because, once the person is rescued, the blood pooled in the extremities can release accumulated toxins into the circulation, worsening the situation.
Factors that contribute to harness syndrome:
- Time suspended: The risk increases when the person is suspended motionless for more than 10-15 minutes.
- Immobility: Lack of leg movement while suspended makes the situation worse.
- Improper harness fit: A poorly adjusted harness can worsen pressure on critical areas of the body.
How Can Harness Syndrome Be Avoided?
Once the fall occurs and the person is left suspended, two things can happen: the person may be conscious or unconscious.
If the worker who had the accident is conscious, they must keep moving while suspended. It is recommended to move the legs or push against surfaces to stimulate circulation. This improves the situation while waiting to be rescued.
The situation gets worse if the person who fell to a lower level loses consciousness and therefore cannot move their legs to keep the blood flowing. In this case, a rescue must be carried out as quickly as possible so that harness syndrome does not occur.
Next, we will detail and break down the appropriate safety measures we should take to prevent harness syndrome and how to act if it occurs.
Safety Recommendations
Different things can be done to try to avoid harness syndrome by following a series of practices involving prevention, training, and rapid rescue protocols.
Choosing and Properly Adjusting the Harness
A poorly adjusted harness increases the risk of harness syndrome, so when choosing which one to use, it is important to find the right one and make sure it is fitted correctly.
- Choosing the right harness: Make sure the harness is appropriate for the task and has adjustment points in the right places.
- Proper fit: Make sure the straps are properly adjusted so that the harness distributes pressure evenly across the body; always try to avoid excessive pressure points.
Equipment Inspection and Maintenance
The harness must be inspected regularly, along with the fall protection systems, to ensure they work properly in an emergency.
- Periodic inspections: Verify that the harness, lifelines, carabiners, and anchor points are in good condition.
- Replacing damaged equipment: Immediately replace any equipment that shows signs of wear or damage, or that has expired.
Avoid Unnecessary Prolonged Suspension
Do not hang unnecessarily. If there is no immediate danger, avoid staying suspended for a long time doing nothing, even if you have not suffered a fall.
Worker Training
Personnel working at height must be trained both in the use of the harness and in self-rescue techniques, or in how to assist a suspended coworker.
- Recognizing symptoms: Personnel must be taught to identify the symptoms of harness syndrome, such as dizziness, numbness, and difficulty breathing.
- Self-rescue techniques: Train workers in techniques that allow a suspended person to at least relieve the pressure on their legs by moving them or, where applicable, to adopt a less dangerous position.
Fast, Planned Rescue
The top priority is to act quickly and minimize the time as much as possible to try to keep the person who fell from suffering harness syndrome. This requires a well-defined rescue plan, with clear and accessible procedures, and a team trained to carry it out quickly.
- Emergency plan: There must be an emergency plan that tells the team how to act to carry out a rescue within a few minutes.
- Access to rescue equipment: Keep rescue equipment, such as ropes, pulleys, and descent systems, ready and easily accessible.
Movement While Suspended
If a person is left suspended but conscious, they should try to keep moving while waiting for rescue so that their blood keeps circulating.
- Move the legs: They should try to swing their legs or push against a nearby structure to keep blood from pooling in the lower extremities.
- Use of suspension relief straps: Some harnesses are equipped with suspension relief straps, small footholds that let the person put weight on them and relieve the pressure on the legs.
Conclusion
The key to preventing harness syndrome is to have a qualified, prepared team, so that workers act quickly after their own fall or a coworker’s, know how to try to maintain good blood flow while suspended, and are well trained in both prevention and rescue procedures.
Prevention measures, such as proper use of equipment and training, are vital to ensuring worker safety.
It is important that workers at height are aware of this risk and that emergency plans include effective methods for rapid rescue to minimize the risk of harness syndrome.