Tips for choosing a harness when working at heights

by | Dec 7, 2018 | Firm News |

Construction often have to work at heights, and falls are a serious risk. While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk that a worker will fall, giving that worker fall protection gear — a harness and a rope — can reduce the odds of a serious injury or a fatality. It can keep safe.

To pick out a harness, use these tips:

  • Understand the weight capacity and ensure that the harness is properly rated for the estimated weight and for the job.
  • Find a harness that is comfortable so that it can be worn all day long without issue.
  • Choose a harness that is not awkward or too large. Not only does a large harness make doing the job more difficult, but an oversized harness can increase your risks since you may have to move in unfamiliar ways to work around it.
  • Find a harness that can easily and quickly be hooked to the rope, in a way that is not confusing or easy to do incorrectly. You want to be able to efficiently get connected every day, knowing you’re protected and feeling secure.
  • Choose a harness that works in the weather conditions. For instance, when looking at padded harnesses, remember that low temperatures can make some types of padding hard and brittle. If you have to work in the winter and in cold weather, that may not be the best option.

Again, while finding the ideal harness can help reduce the odds of a serious injury, it can still happen. Make sure you know what rights you have to after a fall.

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