| ce falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the U.S. | | | | were designed to address the comfort issues |
| construction industry. Each year, on average, over | | | | specifically. |
| 200 workers are killed and more than 100,000 are | | | | After the fall: Planning for what should happen after a |
| injured as a result of falls at construction sites. | | | | fall occurs is best undertaken before work begins. If |
| Whether recreational or professional, whatever your | | | | your location is such that a rescue will be required, |
| particular reason for needing fall protection | | | | make preparations first. Suspension Trauma (also |
| equipment, taking responsibility for understanding the | | | | known as Orthostatic Intolerance or Orthostatic |
| need, proper usage and maintenance is critical. A few | | | | Shock) is a condition that can occur when a person |
| simple things will set you on your way: | | | | remains suspended at height (after a fall) for even |
| How fall protection harnesses work: At the most | | | | short periods of time. Suspension in a harness may |
| basic level, everyone who will be using one should | | | | cause blood to pool in the veins of the legs which |
| understand how a fall protection harness works. In | | | | can result in unconsciousness; if not rescued |
| the simplest of terms, a full-body harness or | | | | promptly, serious injury or death may occur. OSHA |
| tower-climbing harness has straps that go around | | | | requires that employers provide for prompt rescue |
| your torso and thighs and attaches with D-rings to | | | | of employees in the event of a fall. Use a Suspension |
| the rest of the fall-arrest or restraint system. In the | | | | Trauma Safety Strap, which is designed to prevent |
| case of a fall, the full-body harness spreads the force | | | | suspension trauma while a worker is awaiting rescue. |
| over the thighs, chest, pelvis and shoulders. Other | | | | Proper training on use, inspection and maintenance: In |
| types of harnesses, or body belts should not be used | | | | addition to any training provided by course leaders or |
| as fall protection as they do not protect the body | | | | employers, you should study and observe |
| maximally from injury and can actually cause internal | | | | manufacturers’ instructions. If the condition or |
| damage in the case of fall arrest. | | | | location in which you will be using your harness |
| Understand the need in your circumstance: Do you | | | | changes, you should review them again. Inspect your |
| fully understand why a full-body harness is needed in | | | | equipment before each use and have your harness |
| your particular situation? In addition to the simple fact | | | | inspected professionally by the appropriate persons |
| that strict government and workplace mandates | | | | at least once a year. Pay particular attention to any |
| might require their use, you should take the time to | | | | cuts, tears, missing parts, unreadable markings, pulled |
| learn what the risks are for your particular situation. | | | | stitches, abrasions, kinking or excessive oiliness. If |
| This will not only educate you so that you will make | | | | equipment looks as if it has deteriorated in any way, |
| the best choice if you are to select your own | | | | be sure it is removed from use. |
| harness, it will raise your awareness of potential | | | | Although it seems obvious that in a circumstance |
| dangers and enforce the consistent and proper | | | | where bodily injury or even fatality is a risk, that |
| usage. | | | | complete information is something that every full |
| Selecting a full-body harness: One problematic issue | | | | body-harness wearer would desire, it is not always |
| with full body harnesses has been their comfort. And | | | | the case that the information is sought after. There |
| if they are not comfortable for the wearer, | | | | is comprehensive information and training easily |
| adjustments may be made that result in the harness | | | | available for Fall-Protection systems and procedures |
| not being worn properly and potentially jeopardizing | | | | both online, and in person on-site trainings that can be |
| their efficacy. Comfort can be improved with | | | | arranged. Do your research beginning with the basic |
| shoulder and back pads and other accessories to | | | | steps above and you will be taking ultimate |
| reduce body strain and pressure. There are also | | | | responsibility for your safety. In cases where |
| newer full-body harnesses such as the ExoFit family | | | | full-body harnesses are required, your life may indeed |
| or the Delta II No Tangle Tower harnesses that | | | | depend on it. |