OSHA bulletin focuses on suspension trauma

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed a safety and health bulletin that describes the signs and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance—pooling of blood in the veins due to a force of gravity and lack of movement. The condition, commonly known as suspension trauma, can afflict workers who remain suspended for lengthy periods in safety harnesses following a fall.

The bulletin also outlines recommendations for preventing such occurrences and discusses worker training and rescue.