Minnesota employers should have plans to keep workers safe at all times. A fall arrest system may prevent an employee from suffering serious injury or death when working at heights. However, a worker can still suffer an injury while in the air. This is referred to as suspension trauma, and OSHA regulations say that employers must have a plan to rescue a fallen worker in a prompt manner.
The American National Standards Institute recommends that employers get to a fallen worker no more than six minutes after the fall occurs. While in the air, a fallen worker may experience dizziness and sweating, and venous pooling may occur. In some cases, suspension trauma can lead to death.
It may be possible to delay symptoms of suspension trauma by integrating footholds into a fall arrest system. The foothold allows workers to stretch and flex leg their muscles, which could ease pressure and improve circulation temporarily. A self-rescue system may allow a fallen worker to slowly lower him or herself back to the ground in a controlled manner. The device is contained within a backpack that is attached to the harness, and it is meant to be used as one part of a fall protection system.
Those who are hurt in a workplace accident may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits may be offered on a temporary or permanent basis depending on the circumstances of a given case. Benefits may be guaranteed to all employees who have been hurt, even if the employee caused the accident. Those who have questions about their case may wish to speak with an attorney. Legal counsel may be able to explain the workers’ compensation process or help a worker pursue compensation if necessary.