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The leading cause of fatal injuries and casualties that takes place frequently in the construction industry is because of falls from height. Hence, OSHA has made it obligatory for employers to implement different safety protection measures and steps to ensure employees are well secure while working at height. The safety requirements include adopting fall protection harnesses, employee training, and thorough inspection of the safety equipment. According to Jason Wible Frenchcreek, as a safety measure the use of a safety harness just not provides protection for the wearer but lets them work keeping their hands free with comfort, and thereby happens to be life-saving for the wearer.
Safety harnesses are available in different types such as positioning harnesses, suspension harnesses, retrieval harnesses, and others. Depending on the type of job and application, employers and their safety officials need to choose the appropriate type of harnesses to suit their requirements. However, regardless of the type of harness used, the buyers need to verify certain factors that determine the quality of the harness. The primary factors as stated by him include
The Webbing Form
The webbing pattern is a significant factor since it determines the strength and durability of a harness. Undeniably, it needs to be sturdy enough to withstand persisting exposure to different environmental factors and other tough situations at the site of work. It should equally be capable to withstand the wearer’s body weight. Nowadays, manufacturers are bringing ergonomically designed webbing types that make it stretchable while offering increased freeness of moving around.
Check the Padding
Many parts of the straps of a fall-protecting harness come into the touch with sensitive parts of the body. Having padded straps is the answer to it that offers comfort and makes it feel comfy around the shoulder, torso, hips, and leg and thereby minimizing pressure and strain. Ideally, these straps help users to work for a longer time with absolute ease and it equally increases the productivity of the worker. In the event of an unfortunate fall, the cushioned straps are absorbing shock and distribute that although one’s body weight. Paddings are available in built-in and removable types.
Straps Type
Noteworthy, a safety harness requires to be adjustable regardless you wear it for long or minimal hours. The adjustable feature makes harnesses fit the wearer seamlessly. The areas like the waist, torso, legs, and pelvic parts need some freeness and adjusting when working for a long time says, Jason Wible Frenchcreek. While having an eye on straps, checking the buckles is also important. New generation harnesses are found with quick-connect buckles with a resemblance to a seatbelt clip. They also offer fast and easy adjustable options.
Leg Straps
These days, safety harnesses are available with different types of leg fasteners. So, while choosing, the users may opt for the pass-through buckle, tongue buckle, as well as quick-connect buckle.
Pelvic Support
The pelvic positioning harness ensures good pelvic support to keep the wearer upright. With 3-point mounting support, care for the pelvic brim, and the pelvis region and limit the pubic bone and pelvis to shift backward or forward.
Stitching Quality
The stitching quality is a major determining factor of the sturdiness of a harness. It’s highly recommendable to buy a safety harness that comes with double box stitching. This kind of stitching provides a robust seam and prevents the gear from fraying. It also maximizes the strength of the harness which is essential to withstand the wearer’s weight.
