Correct Use of Safety Harnesses
The Critical Importance of Consistent Fall Protection: Safeguarding Lives and Preventing Catastrophic Risks
Workers who do not comply with using the proper fall protection equipment, including their safety harness, each and every time they work at height, are placing not only themselves at risk but also those around them. When workers choose to work at height without wearing their harness, even during a task that takes just a few minutes or occurs at a low height, the risks, and costs, can be enormous.
The importance of harness fit
For a harness to function correctly and do the job it is designed for, it must be correctly fitted, or it can cause significant injury and potentially lead to death at the Moment of Impact (MOI).
Harness brand selection is also important, good harness design will shepherd the worker into correctly fitting their harness, reducing the likelihood of serious injury.
Moment of Impact (MOI)
The Moment of Impact (MOI) is the point when a falling worker’s fall arrest system engages to stop the worker’s fall. Significant forces can be exerted on the body during this time: a 90 kg person falling 2meters will be exposed to an approximate force 5.90Kn (around 600 kg) in a non-absorbed fall. The force is reduced to 6kN if a shock-absorbing lanyard is deployed. If the appropriate fall arrest system or harness has not been used, or even if the appropriate system is used but is not worn or fitted correctly, serious injuries such as broken ribs, punctured lungs, or even death can occur.
Furthermore, a poorly designed or poorly fitted harness can lead to severe head injuries. LINQ’s research has found that a significant number of fallen workers are rescued unconscious as a result of fall arrest hardware impacting their heads during the moment of impact.
Understanding Fall Arrest Systems: Your Last Line of Defense
Fall arrest systems are critical safety measures designed to protect workers in situations where falls from height are a risk. These systems are engineered to stop a fall in progress, minimizing injury by limiting the distance a worker can fall and reducing the impact forces on the body. Key components of a fall arrest system include a full-body harness, a lanyard or lifeline, and an anchor point. Proper use and regular inspection of these systems are essential for ensuring that workers are adequately protected when working at heights. By implementing fall arrest systems, companies not only comply with safety regulations but also demonstrate their commitment to preserving the well-being of their employees.
Comprehensive Training and Information Requirements for Fall Prevention and Safety in the Workplace
Employers must provide information, training, and instruction to workers including:
- Procedures for emergency and rescue
- Type of control measures used to prevent falls
- Procedures for reporting fall hazards and incidents
- The correct selection, fitting, use, care, inspection, maintenance, and storage of fall-arrest and restraint equipment
- The correct use of tools and equipment used in the work
- Control measures for other potential hazards (eg electrical hazards)
Hazards Associated with the Use of Harnesses
While harnesses are essential for fall protection, they can also pose certain hazards if not used properly. Common risks include:
Improper Fit: A harness that is too loose or too tight can cause discomfort, restrict movement, or fail to provide adequate protection in the event of a fall.
Incorrect Use: Misuse of harnesses, such as not securing all straps or attaching the harness to an inadequate anchor point, can lead to serious injury or death.
Suspension Trauma: After a fall, prolonged suspension in a harness can restrict blood flow and lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as suspension trauma.
Wear and Tear: Over time, harnesses can become damaged or degraded due to wear and exposure to harsh environments, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of failure.
Improper Inspection and Maintenance: Failure to regularly inspect and properly maintain harnesses can result in the use of faulty equipment, putting workers at significant risk.
To mitigate these hazards, it is crucial to ensure that all workers are properly trained in the correct selection, fitting, use, and maintenance of harnesses, and that regular inspections are conducted to identify and address any issues with the equipment.
Safety Tips
- Before any work commences either at extreme heights or in a confined space or in any work situation where immediate or unrestricted access is not available to remove an injured person should an accident occur, you must have a written plan of action for the retrieval of the injured person
- Always check to ensure product labelling and tagging is legible and attached to the lanyard
- Ensure webbing are free from cuts, broken fibre, and other damage. Visually check for damage across the entire length of the equipment
- Ensure D-rings, buckles, rivets, and grommets are free from cracks and deformities Visually and physically check for sharp edges and distortions
- Inspect snap hook ends
- Check lanyards and Inspect rope lanyards for broken strands, discard lanyards with broken strands.
If suspended ensure:
- The rescue begins immediately
- The worker deploys and uses a suspension trauma strap
- They move their legs and push against any footholds where possible
- They raise their legs and get them as horizontal with heads as possible
Other workers should not put themselves at risk during the rescue
