Emergency Rescue Plan for Work at Height
Work at height activities involve significant risks, and despite strong preventive controls, accidents can still occur. One of the most serious incidents is a fall where a worker is suspended in a harness or stranded at height. In such situations, rescue must be immediate, planned, and practiced. Relying solely on external emergency services is often too slow and can result in fatal outcomes.
An Emergency Rescue Plan for Work at Height is a critical component of height safety management. It ensures that trained personnel, proper equipment, and clear procedures are in place to rescue a worker quickly and safely. This article explains the importance of rescue planning, rescue methods, roles and responsibilities, and best practices for effective emergency response at height.
Why an Emergency Rescue Plan Is Essential for Work at Height
Falls from height can lead to severe injuries or death, but even when a fall is arrested by a harness, the danger is not over. A suspended worker can suffer from suspension trauma, which may become life-threatening within minutes.
An emergency rescue plan is essential because it:
- Saves lives through rapid response
- Prevents suspension trauma
- Reduces severity of injuries
- Ensures legal compliance
- Builds worker confidence
- Improves overall safety culture
A rescue plan is not optional — it is a lifesaving requirement.
Understanding Suspension Trauma
Suspension trauma occurs when a worker hangs motionless in a harness after a fall. Blood pools in the legs, reducing circulation to vital organs.
Key Risks of Suspension Trauma
- Dizziness and fainting
- Loss of consciousness
- Organ failure
- Cardiac arrest
Symptoms can develop in as little as 5–10 minutes, making quick rescue critical.
When Is a Rescue Plan Required?
A rescue plan is required whenever workers are exposed to fall risks and use fall arrest systems, including:
- Scaffolding work
- Roof work
- Steel erection
- Tower and mast climbing
- MEWP operations
- Rope access work
- Confined elevated areas
If a worker can fall and be suspended, a rescue plan must exist.
Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Most safety regulations require employers to plan rescue operations for height work, including:
- OSHA Fall Protection Standards
- Work at Height Regulations
- Construction Safety Rules
- ISO 45001 requirements
Failure to provide rescue arrangements can result in legal action, fines, and fatal accidents.
Objectives of an Emergency Rescue Plan
An effective rescue plan aims to:
- Rescue the worker quickly
- Prevent further injury
- Avoid exposing rescuers to risk
- Use trained and competent personnel
- Ensure coordination and communication
Key Elements of an Emergency Rescue Plan
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
The rescue plan must be based on a task-specific Work at Height Risk Assessment (HIRA) that identifies:
- Potential fall locations
- Suspension points
- Rescue access challenges
- Environmental conditions
Rescue Methods Selection
Rescue methods must suit the work environment and height.
Rescue Equipment Availability
The plan must confirm availability of:
- Rescue kits
- Ropes and descenders
- Rescue poles
- MEWPs
- Ladders or platforms
Trained Rescue Personnel
Only trained and competent workers should perform rescues.
Communication and Alarm System
Clear communication ensures fast response.
Emergency Contact and Medical Support
Emergency services and medical aid must be pre-planned.
Common Rescue Methods for Work at Height
Self-Rescue
Description
The worker rescues themselves using equipment such as ladders or descent devices.
Limitations
Not always possible due to injury, panic, or location.
Assisted Rescue Using Rescue Kits
Description
A trained rescuer uses a rescue kit to lower or raise the suspended worker.
Advantages
- Fast
- Controlled
- Minimal additional risk
Rescue Using MEWP or Crane
Description
A MEWP or crane basket is used to reach and rescue the worker.
Considerations
- Equipment availability
- Ground conditions
- Operator competence
Rescue Using Fixed Ladders or Platforms
Description
Used when safe access is already available.
Rope-Based Rescue
Description
Used in complex or high-rise environments by trained teams.
Rescue Equipment for Work at Height
Essential rescue equipment includes:
- Full-body harness
- Rescue lanyards
- Descenders and connectors
- Ropes and carabiners
- Stretchers
- First-aid kits
Equipment must be inspected and maintained regularly.
Roles and Responsibilities in Emergency Rescue
Management
- Provide rescue equipment
- Ensure training and drills
- Approve rescue plans
Supervisors
- Implement rescue plans
- Ensure readiness before work starts
- Coordinate rescue operations
Rescue Team
- Perform rescue safely
- Follow rescue procedures
- Protect themselves during rescue
Workers
- Follow fall protection rules
- Report emergencies immediately
- Cooperate during rescue
Safety Officer
- Review rescue plans
- Conduct drills
- Audit rescue readiness
Emergency Rescue Procedure for Work at Height
Step 1: Raise the Alarm
- Shout for help
- Activate alarm system
- Inform supervisor immediately
Step 2: Secure the Area
- Stop ongoing work
- Barricade the area below
- Control additional hazards
Step 3: Assess the Situation
- Condition of suspended worker
- Height and location
- Rescue method required
Step 4: Perform the Rescue
- Use pre-planned rescue method
- Follow training procedures
- Avoid sudden movements
Step 5: Provide First Aid and Medical Care
- Treat injuries
- Monitor for shock
- Arrange hospital transport
Step 6: Incident Reporting and Investigation
- Report incident
- Investigate root causes
- Update rescue plan if required
Training and Drills for Rescue Preparedness
Rescue plans are ineffective without practice.
Training Should Include
- Use of rescue equipment
- Harness suspension awareness
- Communication protocols
Drills
- Conducted periodically
- Simulate real scenarios
- Involve all relevant workers
Common Mistakes in Height Rescue Planning
- No rescue plan at all
- Overreliance on emergency services
- Untrained rescuers
- No rescue equipment
- Rescue plan not site-specific
Avoiding these mistakes saves lives.
Best Practices for Effective Emergency Rescue Planning
- Plan rescue before work starts
- Keep rescue equipment close
- Train workers regularly
- Conduct rescue drills
- Review plans after incidents
- Integrate rescue with Permit to Work system
Integration with Permit to Work System
A rescue plan must be linked to the Work at Height Permit, confirming that:
- Rescue equipment is available
- Rescue team is present
- Emergency procedures are understood
No permit should be issued without a rescue plan.
Conclusion
An Emergency Rescue Plan for Work at Height is not just a compliance requirement — it is a lifesaving system. Even the best fall protection cannot eliminate all risk, but a well-prepared rescue plan ensures that when an incident occurs, the response is fast, organized, and effective.
Every minute counts during a fall arrest emergency. Proper planning, training, and equipment can mean the difference between life and death. Remember — fall protection stops the fall, but rescue saves the life.
For checklist and templates visit The HSE Tools.
Roof Work Safety: Do’s and Don’ts
Common Causes of Falls and Their Prevention
Permit to Work for Height-Related Activities
Scaffold Erection and Dismantling Safety Procedures
Ladder Safety: Inspection, Use, and Storage
FAQs
1. Is a rescue plan mandatory for work at height?
Yes, whenever fall arrest systems are used.
2. How fast should a suspended worker be rescued?
Ideally within 5–10 minutes to prevent suspension trauma.
3. Can emergency services be the only rescue plan?
No, on-site rescue arrangements are essential.
4. Who should perform height rescues?
Only trained and competent personnel.
5. How often should rescue drills be conducted?
Periodically and whenever work conditions change.
