High Angle Rescue

In some industries, working in high places is a given. What isn't as guaranteed is the ability to get back down in a safe way. Whether this is because of equipment failure, getting tangled up in power lines, or due to losing one's footing, it is something that all companies have to think about if they send even one worker off the ground.

Equipment failure can leave window washers stranded 80 stories up or cause cable TV technicians to be stuck in buckets up where their pole-mounted switchers sit. Getting them down from failed, weak platforms is dangerous since a false move can cause the platform to collapse completely and send them falling to the ground.

Electrical workers can get tangled in power lines due to slipping or other mishaps, after which they face the risk of electrocution as well as falling if a false move is made. A specially-trained high angle rescue crew is needed to deal with both of these risks.

Lost footing is a problem often encountered by tree trimmers. While people in this business typically use harnesses to prevent falls, they can be left hanging in a half-limbed tree. Then, a high angle rescue crew needs to find a safe way to lower the worker to the ground and then get themselves back down as well.

Many of these problems can be prevented with good safety training. Safety program development should include training on how to spot equipment defects and how to safely assemble any portable climbing or man-lifting equipment. Of course, good safety program development will also result in modules that teach what to do when things eventually go wrong.