International Bridge staff test fallen-worker retrieval system

Contact: James Lake, MDOT Office of Communications,
 LakeJ1@michigan.gov
906-786-1830, ext. 311

Agency: Transportation

April 24, 2012 -- Today, International Bridge workers tested new fall safety equipment designed to retrieve a worker suspended from the structure. Having recently celebrated two years without a lost-time work injury, the International Bridge Administration's (IBA) dedication to employee safety is evident. As bridge maintenance workers prepare for another busy year with nearly 50 maintenance projects on the bridge, safety is again at the forefront.

"Any time our employees climb anywhere on the bridge structure they are always 'tied off' to the structure with a lanyard line from their fall-restraint harness," said lead steeplejack Buck Gravelle. "So if someone did fall, the lanyards would stop their fall and then it is a matter of safely retrieving them."

The bridge portions that are over land have vehicle access from below. Retrieving a suspended worker in these areas would be done by staff from one of the city fire departments, who have both tested worker retrieval on the bridge, using equipment.

For portions of the bridge over water, vehicle access from below is not possible and the retrieval is much more difficult. The fastest and safest retrieval method in these areas is having a rescuer rappel down from the bridge deck to secure a retrieval line to the suspended worker. The suspended worker would then be lifted to the bridge deck to receive medical attention. This rescue mode was the purpose of today's test.

International Bridge steeplejacks would likely be called upon first to go over the edge to reach a suspended coworker.

"I wouldn't think twice, and I don't think any of our steeplejacks would think twice about going over the edge to assist a fallen co-worker," said Gravelle, who has 30 years of experience climbing on the International Bridge and the Mackinac Bridge.

No bridge employee falls have ever been reported at the International Bridge in its 50 years of operation, but the IBA says it wants to be ready if the need to rescue someone ever arises.

Photo information: IBA bridgeworker/steeplejack Jeremy Sprague demonstrates fallen worker retrieval techniques during a training session on the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge.

Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge "Celebrating 50 Years of International Friendship, 1962 - 2012"