Fall Rescue Training: Cultivating a Proactive Safety Culture

On a crisp October morning, Manson personnel assembled in the Seattle Training Room as Environmental Health and Safety (“EHS”) Training Manager Douglas Boehm highlighted the importance of understanding individual roles in fall rescue scenarios. This gathering was more than just a routine training; it reflected Manson’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a culture of safety through comprehensive Fall Rescue Training.

Speaking to the group, Douglas emphasized that every team member must know their responsibilities. This knowledge helps deescalate emergencies and can be the difference between a positive or catastrophic result.

EHS Training Manager Douglas Boehm demonstrates fall protection techniques while suspended mid-air during a training activity.

“If we teach individuals best practices and instill confidence in their ability to respond, we set ourselves up for success,” Douglas said. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure everyone has the knowledge and equipment needed to save a life.”

The significance of the Fall Rescue Training goes far beyond technical instruction. It demonstrates Manson’s proactive approach to employee safety and well-being, with careful consideration given to including employees from various departments. For this event, Seattle engineers Kurt Dever, Ian Walker, and Zach Glaser, Equipment Foreman Darren Geiger, and Electrical Foreman Casey Bowne participated. Bringing together employees from diverse backgrounds reinforces the organization’s dedication to equipping all personnel—not just those directly involved in rescue scenarios—with the confidence and skills to respond in critical moments.

This unified effort ensures safety is an integral part of Manson’s corporate culture, empowering everyone to protect themselves and each other.

Douglas, who has over 15 years of experience in fall rescue training, recently completed 3M’s five-day Trainer-to-Trainer Program through its Safety Training Division, earning the credential required to facilitate the 3M Fall Rescue curriculum at Manson.

How to Save a Life

The training consists of two programs: Authorized Rescuer and Competent Rescuer, each combining classroom instruction with hands-on activities for participants.

The Authorized Rescuer program covers fall rescue equipment setup, project planning, best practices for managing critical scenarios, and the importance of clear communication plans. Douglas encourages participants to share their workplace communication strategies, spotlighting one particularly effective example during the Seattle training.

EHS Training Manger Douglas Boehm and Electrician Foreman Casey Bowne guiding fall victim volunteer Equipment Engineer Zachary Glaser during a Fall Protection activity.

“Here in the Seattle yard, if there’s a safety issue, we have a plan,” explains Seattle Equipment Foreman Darren Geiger. “The crane operator radios out and sounds the horn four times. When that signal goes off, everyone stops working and gathers at the muster point to assess the situation and determine how to help.”

During the hands-on portion, the group practices rigging and lifting techniques under Douglas’s supervision. Split into teams, trainees experience realistic scenarios, gaining a deeper understanding of procedures and equipment required for a safe rescue. They also get to feel what it’s like to perform a rescue in the field.

In the Competent Rescuer program, the facilitator steps back and lets the group lead various rescue scenarios, applying what they learned in the previous session. For 30 minutes, participants discuss work plans, communication channels, equipment review, role assignments, and safety reminders. Once the plan is finalized, everyone gears up with personal protective equipment and moves to the training area to enact a fall scenario. The Seattle group, divided into pairs, rigged volunteers Kurt and Zach and suspended them several feet below the Seattle Yard crane using a man lift. When the crane operator sounded the horn, teams gathered at the muster point and quickly assembled equipment. Using their newly acquired skills, they communicated and executed rescue techniques to safely lower each victim.

After the final demonstration, groups gather back into the Training Room for a final exam and receive temporary certificates for fall rescue competency.

Project Engineer Ian Walker preparing to climb the Seattle yard crane ladder while Equipment Foreman Darren Geiger makes his ascent.

While the training includes specialized programs, its true value lies in strengthening the company’s ability to respond collectively during emergencies. The combination of classroom learning and practical exercises serves as a model for Manson’s commitment to safety, fostering open communication, preparedness, and teamwork at all levels. By sharing strategies and creating opportunities for employees to learn from one another, the company continues to raise the bar for workplace safety.

“In just two days, this group has shown they have what it takes to be Authorized and Competent Rescuers,” Douglas said. “This company is filled with people who are highly talented and impressive, and it means even more that they care about the safety and well-being of their colleagues.”

EHS Training Manager Douglas Boehm lowering EHS Manager Matua Sablan as the group looks on.