Suspension trauma, also known as orthostatic shock, happens when a person is suspended in a harness for too long, leading to restricted blood flow.
This condition is hazardous in industries like construction, oil rigs, and high-rise maintenance, where workers often use harnesses for safety.
Suspension trauma can lead to unconsciousness or even fatal outcomes, making it a serious concern for workplaces with elevated work environments.
In Canada, safety regulations mandate the use of fall protection equipment, but knowing how to prevent suspension trauma is equally important.
Effective safety practices like proper harness adjustments, regular rescue training, and swift action if a fall occurs are essential steps.
The blog will explore suspension trauma, its symptoms, and crucial measures to deal with and prevent it, helping workers and employers stay safe in high-risk environments.
Taking steps, such as creating safety protocols and ensuring workers know how to respond to emergencies, is key to reducing the risks of suspension trauma.
Understanding this life-threatening condition and following preventive measures can significantly improve the safety of the workforce.
What Is Suspension Trauma & How It Happens?
Suspension trauma, also known as harness-induced pathology or orthostatic shock, occurs when a person is left hanging in a safety harness for an extended period.
When someone is suspended without movement, blood pools in the legs due to gravity, and the heart struggles to pump blood back to the brain and vital organs.
This leads to reduced oxygen flow, causing symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness or death.
The risk of suspension trauma arises when a person becomes immobile in a harness, such as after a fall at a construction site, in a high-rise building, or during activities like climbing.
Without proper circulation, blood pressure drops, making it difficult for the body to function normally.
The longer a person remains suspended without movement, the more severe the effects become.
Physiologically, suspension trauma results from a combination of factors, including prolonged immobility and restricted blood flow.
While lifesaving in the event of a fall, the harness can also constrict blood vessels, further intensifying circulation issues. If a person isn't rescued quickly or can't adjust their position, the consequences can be fatal.
Understanding how suspension trauma occurs highlights the importance of prompt rescue and proper harness use.
Construction, oil, and gas workers must be trained to recognize the symptoms and act quickly to prevent serious injury or death.
Understanding Suspension Trauma and Its Effects on the Body
Suspension trauma is a condition that impacts the entire body, affecting multiple systems when someone is left hanging in a harness without movement.
When a person is suspended vertically for too long, gravity causes blood to pool in the legs, preventing it from circulating back to the heart and brain.
This can lead to dizziness, fainting, and even organ failure. If not quickly addressed, the effects can escalate to unconsciousness or death.
The body's cardiovascular system is most affected by suspension trauma, but it also has serious implications for muscles, nerves, and the respiratory system.
The heart works harder to circulate blood, but oxygen delivery to vital organs decreases when blood flow is restricted. This creates a dangerous chain reaction, including reduced brain function and difficulty breathing.
As the body tries to compensate, vital organs, like the heart and kidneys, are deprived of necessary oxygen, leading to further complications.
Understanding these systemic effects highlights why suspension trauma is such a serious concern, especially in industries where workers use harnesses daily, such as construction, tree trimming, or rescue operations.
How Suspension Affects Leg Circulation
One of the most significant impacts of suspension trauma is on leg circulation. Blood pools in the legs when someone is suspended in a harness because gravity pulls it downward.
Normally, the veins in the legs help pump blood back to the heart, but in a static hanging position, this venous return is impaired.
As a result, blood pools in the legs, causing swelling, numbness, and pain. The harness straps may also constrict blood vessels, worsening circulation by physically blocking blood flow.
Impaired circulation can quickly lead to discomfort, and as the blood continues to pool, it reduces the amount of oxygenated blood reaching the heart and brain. This can cause symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or a feeling of breathlessness.
In extreme cases, prolonged suspension can lead to severe medical emergencies like unconsciousness or blood clots. Blood pooling in the legs also increases the risk of conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a dangerous clotting issue.
Recognizing how suspension affects leg circulation is crucial for anyone working at heights. Workers should be trained to adjust their position to keep blood flowing, and rescue teams should be equipped to respond quickly to minimize the impact of suspension trauma.
How Suspension Affects Heart Circulation
Suspension trauma has a significant impact on heart circulation, leading to changes in both blood pressure and heart rate.
When a person is suspended in a harness, the body's ability to return blood from the lower extremities to the heart is compromised.
Blood pools in the legs due to gravity, and the heart must work harder to pump blood against this resistance. As a result, the heart rate initially increases to try to compensate for the reduced blood volume returning to the heart.
However, over time, as blood remains trapped in the lower body, the heart receives less blood to pump, causing blood pressure to drop.
The decreased blood flow to the heart can lead to several dangerous outcomes, including fainting (syncope) or even cardiac arrest if left unaddressed.
When blood pressure drops too low, the heart cannot effectively circulate oxygen-rich blood to vital organs.
The risk of serious complications, like arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), becomes higher as the heart struggles to maintain normal function under these conditions.
How Suspension Affects Brain Circulation
Suspension trauma significantly disrupts blood circulation to the brain, which can lead to serious neurological effects.
When blood pools in the legs due to suspension, less oxygenated blood reaches the brain. This condition is called cerebral hypoxia, where the brain receives insufficient oxygen.
The immediate consequence of reduced oxygen supply to the brain is dizziness or lightheadedness, followed by fainting if the issue persists. In extreme cases, prolonged oxygen deprivation can lead to irreversible brain damage or even death.
The brain is highly sensitive to changes in oxygen levels, and even brief periods of reduced blood flow can impair its function.
A person suspended for too long might experience confusion, disorientation, or visual disturbances as their brain struggles to operate on limited oxygen.
As blood pressure drops due to pooling in the lower body, the brain's oxygen supply decreases, increasing the risk of unconsciousness.
In the most severe scenarios, the lack of oxygen could cause lasting neurological harm if circulation isn't restored quickly.
How Do You Recognize Suspension Trauma?
Recognizing suspension trauma early is critical for preventing severe health complications.
Suspension trauma occurs when a person is left hanging in a harness for too long, and blood pools in the legs, reducing circulation to the rest of the body.
The key signs and symptoms to look for include:
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: One of the first signs of suspension trauma is dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness. As blood flow to the brain decreases, a person may experience confusion or trouble focusing.
- Pale or Cold Skin: Reduced circulation affects the skin's appearance and temperature. People may appear unusually pale, particularly in the face, and their skin might feel cold.
- Sweating and Nausea: Another common sign is excessive sweating, even if the person is not physically exerting themselves. This may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting as the body struggles to cope with the reduced blood circulation.
- Weakness or Numbness in the Legs: Since blood is pooling in the lower extremities, the person may feel their legs becoming weak, numb, or tingly. This is a clear sign that circulation is being severely impacted.
- Rapid Heart Rate and Shallow Breathing: As the heart works harder to pump blood, the person's pulse may become rapid, and they may start to breathe quickly or shallowly. This could be a sign the body is not receiving enough oxygen.
- Unconsciousness: If the situation isn't addressed quickly, the lack of blood flow to the brain can lead to fainting or complete unconsciousness.
While some symptoms of suspension trauma may overlap with other conditions, such as dehydration or fatigue, it's crucial to consider the context.
These signs likely indicate suspension trauma if someone is suspended in a harness for an extended period.
In such cases, immediate rescue and first aid measures are necessary to restore normal circulation and prevent life-threatening complications.
Steps to Take When Suspecting Suspension Trauma
If you suspect someone is experiencing suspension trauma, taking immediate action is critical to prevent severe complications or even death.
Suspension trauma happens quickly, and knowing how to respond can save a life.
Here are the steps to follow if you encounter this situation:
- Lower the Individual Safely: The first step is to lower the individual from their suspended position as carefully and quickly as possible. However, it's important not to move them too abruptly, as this could cause blood to rush back to the heart, overwhelming the circulatory system and leading to shock. Ensure they are laid down or placed in a position allowing gradual blood flow recovery, such as sitting with their legs slightly elevated.
- Call for Emergency Medical Help: Once the person has been lowered, call the local emergency number. Suspension trauma can lead to life-threatening conditions like shock or unconsciousness, and the individual will need professional medical assistance. Provide detailed information about the incident, including how long they were suspended.
- Administer First Aid: While waiting for medical help, begin administering first aid. Encourage the person to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and chest to help them breathe more easily. Check for signs of breathing difficulties, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, and be prepared to perform CPR if necessary.
- Monitor the Individual's Condition: Keep a close eye on the person's condition until help arrives. Look for signs of shock, such as rapid breathing, cold skin, or confusion. Keep them warm by covering them with a blanket or jacket and keep them talking to maintain alertness. Avoid having the person stand up, as this could cause the blood in their legs to rush to the heart too quickly.
Taking these steps ensures that the individual receives the necessary care and minimizes the risks associated with suspension trauma until professional medical help is available.
Prevention Strategies for Suspension Trauma
Preventing suspension trauma is essential in industries where workers risk being suspended in a harness, such as construction, rescue operations, or other elevated work environments.
Proper safety measures and training can significantly reduce the risk of suspension trauma. Awareness, planning, and equipment maintenance are critical aspects of prevention.
Below, we explore practical strategies to prevent this condition and ensure workers' safety.
1. Use Safety Harnesses Correctly
One of the most effective ways to prevent suspension trauma is by ensuring that safety harnesses are used correctly.
A poorly fitted harness or incorrect usage can increase the risk of suspension trauma by restricting blood flow or placing undue pressure on specific body parts.
Therefore, it's crucial that all workers are trained in properly using harnesses and that each harness is fitted to the individual worker.
Start by selecting a harness that meets industry standards and is suited to the specific task. Every safety harness comes with the manufacturer's instructions on fitting, wearing, and maintaining it.
Workers should follow these instructions carefully, ensuring the harness is snug but tight.
Loose harnesses can cause dangerous slipping or improper suspension positions, while a harness that's too tight can restrict circulation.
Another key aspect is the D-ring placement, which should be positioned between the shoulder blades for optimal safety.
If the D-ring is placed incorrectly, it can lead to an imbalanced suspension, increasing the chances of trauma.
Regular inspection and maintenance of harnesses are also important. Employers should ensure that all safety equipment is checked frequently for signs of wear and tear, as damaged harnesses can fail during use.
If safety harnesses are properly fitted and maintained, workers are less likely to experience suspension trauma during falls or emergencies.
2. Regular Training
Fall protection training is essential to prevent suspension trauma in high-risk industries.
Workers must understand how to properly use safety harnesses and learn emergency response techniques in case of a suspension event.
A well-trained workforce significantly reduces the chances of accidents. It ensures workers know how to act quickly and effectively if a situation arises.
Fall protection training offered by the Canada Safety Training Centre includes:
- Importance of fall protection training
- Fall protection safety tips for workplace
- Passive fall protection vs active
- Calculating fall distance
- Creating a fall protection plan
Practical demonstrations and real-world scenarios during training sessions are also effective as they help workers understand safety procedures.
Workers must also be encouraged and educated on rescue techniques to help a suspended colleague safely and efficiently, minimizing emergency response times.
This training should be refreshed periodically, as it helps workers stay updated on new safety standards and techniques.
Employers should also incorporate refresher courses focusing on different rescue scenarios, emergency procedures, and CPR, ensuring that all workers feel confident in managing fall-related emergencies.
Comprehensive fall protection and suspension trauma prevention training is key to maintaining a safe workplace.
3. Routine Equipment Inspections
Routine equipment inspections are crucial for preventing suspension trauma and ensuring workers' safety, relying on safety harnesses and other fall protection gear.
Safety equipment, like harnesses, ropes, and lanyards, can wear down over time due to regular use, exposure to harsh weather conditions, or improper storage.
Regular inspections and scheduled maintenance plans are essential to ensure that this equipment functions as intended during an emergency.
Employers should establish a routine inspection schedule where all safety equipment is thoroughly checked for signs of damage, including frayed ropes, weakened buckles, or worn-out stitching on harnesses.
If any issues are identified, the equipment should be taken out of service immediately and either repaired by a certified professional or replaced.
Inspections should also verify that safety gear is properly stored when not in use, as improper storage can accelerate wear and tear.
Maintenance plans should focus on the equipment and ensure that workers are adequately trained to inspect their gear before and after each use. This habit can prevent accidents and reduce the risk of suspension trauma.
By prioritizing routine inspections and maintenance, employers can protect their workers and prevent unnecessary accidents caused by faulty or compromised equipment.
OH&S Guidelines for Suspension Trauma
In Canada, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) guidelines help employers and workers prevent and respond to suspension trauma incidents.
Suspension trauma poses serious risks, including loss of consciousness or death due to restricted blood flow.
To minimize these risks, both federal and provincial OH&S regulations mandate strict safety measures, training, and emergency response protocols.
1. Federal Regulations
At the federal level, the Canadian Labour Code outlines fall protection requirements in various high-risk industries.
Part II of the Code focuses on workplace safety; fall protection measures, including harnesses, are mandatory.
Employers must provide adequate fall protection training, ensure the proper use of equipment, and have rescue plans in place to quickly recover suspended workers.
The OH&S regulations also emphasize regular safety equipment inspections to ensure it functions correctly.
2. Provincial Standards
Each province in Canada may have its own specific OH&S guidelines that complement federal regulations.
For example, Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Code outlines detailed requirements for fall protection systems, including harnesses, anchor points, and emergency procedures.
British Columbia's Workers Compensation Act also mandates employers develop and implement rescue plans to retrieve workers at risk of suspension trauma, ensuring a swift response.
3. Key Safety Requirements
Canadian OH&S guidelines prioritize several key safety practices to reduce the risk of suspension trauma.
Employers must ensure that workers receive comprehensive training on the correct use of fall protection equipment and are familiar with suspension trauma risks.
Equipment, including harnesses, must meet Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements, and regular inspections are necessary.
A rescue plan must also be in place, detailing the following procedures if a worker is suspended after a fall.
By complying with these OH&S standards and staying current on the latest regulations, Canadian employers can safeguard their workers from the risks of suspension trauma and promote a safer workplace.
FAQs
How long does it take for suspension trauma to set in?
Suspension trauma can begin to set in within as little as 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the individual's condition and the position in which they are suspended.
What are the 3 symptoms of suspension trauma?
Common symptoms of suspension trauma include dizziness, difficulty breathing, and pale or bluish skin due to poor circulation.
What is suspension as a cause of death?
Suspension as a cause of death occurs when prolonged restriction of blood flow, particularly to vital organs, leads to unconsciousness, organ failure, or cardiac arrest.
How serious is suspension damage?
Suspension trauma is highly serious and can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly, potentially leading to permanent organ damage or death.
What are the long-term effects of suspension trauma?
Long-term effects can include nerve damage, impaired circulation, and psychological impacts such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Conclusion
Understanding suspension trauma is crucial for anyone working in environments where suspension is risky.
This blog highlighted the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of suspension trauma, including dizziness and pale skin.
Immediate actions, such as carefully lowering the individual and seeking medical help, are vital for minimizing health risks.
The proper use of safety harnesses cannot be overstated. Ensuring that harnesses are correctly fitted and following manufacturer instructions is essential in preventing suspension trauma.
Additionally, regular training on fall protection and emergency response techniques is necessary to prepare individuals for potential incidents. Routine safety equipment inspections enhance preparedness and ensure that all gear functions properly.
The workplace can establish a robust safety culture by prioritizing these practices: correct harness use, ongoing training, and regular equipment checks.
Everyone must stay informed about safety measures and actively prevent suspension trauma. Protecting oneself and colleagues creates a safer work environment and improves overall well-being.