In high-risk work environments, a safety harness is a lifeline that can make the difference between a safe job and a serious or fatal injury. This essential piece of safety equipment is designed to secure the user in a fall protection system, minimizing the risk of falls and protecting workers when they are at height.

Correctly wearing and adjusting a fall protection harness involves several steps, each crucial to ensure the harness functions as intended. From inspection to proper fit and secure adjustment, every detail matters. In this guide, we’ll walk through the exact steps for putting on a safety harness correctly, giving you peace of mind in your work environment and helping you stay compliant with OSHA standards.

Preparing the Safety Harness for Use

Before putting on a safety harness, it’s crucial to start with a thorough inspection. This step ensures the harness is in good condition and ready to provide the necessary fall protection.

Inspecting the Harness

• Check for Wear and Tear: Examine the harness material, including shoulder straps, leg straps, and the waist strap, for fraying, cuts, or other damage.
• Verify Labels and Tags: Ensure that all certification and inspection date tags are legible. According to OSHA standards, each harness must display these labels clearly to verify compliance and inspection history.
• Inspect Buckles and D-Rings: Check all buckles, including the chest buckle, tongue buckle, and any extra D-rings (such as the side D-ring or back D-ring), for rust, corrosion, or deformation. The dorsal D-ring, positioned between the shoulder blades, is especially important as it is often the primary connection point for fall arrest systems.
• Confirm Weight Capacity and Rating: Verify that the harness is rated for the required weight capacity and the specific type of work. This includes making sure it meets the necessary occupational safety standards for your job tasks and work environment.

With a well-inspected harness, you’re ready to proceed to the next step of putting it on correctly.

How to Put on the Harness

After thoroughly inspecting the harness, the next step is to put it on correctly. Follow these steps to ensure proper fit and maximum fall protection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Putting on the Harness

• Hold by the Dorsal D-Ring: Start by grabbing the harness by the dorsal D-ring (located on the back between the shoulder blades). This will make it easier to identify and separate each strap.
• Shake Out the Straps: Give the harness a shake to untangle any twisted straps, allowing each part to hang freely.
• Slip Over Your Shoulders: Put the harness on like a jacket, slipping each arm into the shoulder straps. Make sure these shoulder straps lay flat and are not twisted or bunched up.
• Position the Chest Strap and Dorsal D-Ring: Adjust the chest strap to mid-chest level. The dorsal D-ring should sit squarely between your shoulder blades, positioned to securely connect with the attachment point.
• Ensure Leg Straps are Hanging Freely: Let the leg straps hang down without twisting. These will be secured in the next step, but for now, make sure they are untangled and ready for adjustment.

Once the full harness is in place, the next step is to secure and adjust it for a snug, comfortable fit.

Securing and Adjusting the Harness

Properly securing and adjusting the harness is crucial for both comfort and safety. Follow these steps to ensure a secure fit without restricting movement.

Adjusting for Comfort

• Tighten the Shoulder Straps: Pull the shoulder straps until they are snug but not overly tight. The goal is to have even pressure across both shoulders, allowing you to move freely while ensuring the harness won’t shift.
• Secure the Leg Straps: Fasten the leg straps around each thigh. You should be able to fit a flat hand between the strap and your thigh for comfort, but the straps should not be loose.
• Adjust the Chest Buckle: Position the chest buckle at mid-chest level and fasten it. It should lay flat against your chest without restricting your breathing or arm movement.

Proper Use of D-Rings

• Back D-Ring for Fall Protection: In most scenarios, attach your safety line to the back D-ring for optimal fall protection.
• Side D-Rings for Work Positioning: If you’re using the harness for work positioning, connect to the side D-rings. Keep in mind that side D-rings are not intended for fall arrest unless specified.
• Other D-Ring Connections: Some harnesses include front or shoulder D-rings for specialized tasks. Use these only when necessary and according to the specific requirements of your task.
• Double-Check Connections: Ensure that each connection to a D-ring is secure and properly locked before starting your work.

Affirming a Proper Fit

• Final Strap Check: Make sure all straps are adjusted correctly, with no loose ends hanging or causing distraction.
• Perform a Range-of-Motion Test: Move your arms, legs, and torso to ensure the harness stays securely in place without loosening or causing discomfort.
• Breathing and Circulation Check: Confirm that the harness does not restrict breathing or circulation, providing both security and comfort during movement.

Once your harness is secure and comfortable, you’re ready to work safely.

What to Consider While Using a Safety Harness

Using a safety harness goes beyond simply putting it on. Environmental factors, equipment, and OSHA standards should always be considered for optimal fall protection and safety in the work environment.

Work Environment

• Evaluate Height and Weather Conditions: Before using a safety harness, assess the height you’ll be working at and any weather hazards. Rain, wind, and extreme temperatures can affect how the harness performs and may require adjustments for cold weather.
• Verify the Anchor Point: Ensure your anchor point is secure and correctly positioned, taking into account both the stability of your work surface and potential fall distance.
• Adjust for Confined Spaces or Restricted Movement: If you’ll be working in confined spaces or with limited movement, adapt your harness fit and D-ring placements to provide flexibility and minimize interference with your task.

Mobile Platform Usage

• Use Roll Cages on Platforms: When working on mobile platforms like scissor lifts or cherry pickers, roll cages provide extra protection. Secure your harness within the cage to prevent falls.
• Secure Rear Passengers if Applicable: If other individuals are present, such as rear passengers in a vehicle with a mobile platform, ensure they are secured with proper harnesses to enhance safety.
• Adjust for Platform Movement: Confirm that the harness allows for safe movement on mobile platforms, with flexibility for operation without sacrificing security.

OSHA Standards

• Meet OSHA Compliance for Equipment and Use: Ensure all fall protection equipment, including safety harnesses, anchor points, and fall arrest systems, meet OSHA standards for occupational safety.
• Review Safety Practices Regularly: Regularly update and review safety procedures and ensure all gear is up-to-date with OSHA regulations. This helps reduce risks of serious injuries.
• Keep Records of Inspections and Certifications: OSHA standards require that inspection records and certifications are up-to-date and easily accessible.

With these considerations in mind, workers can maximize their safety while using a harness.

Malta Dynamics’ Role in Safety

Wearing a safety harness correctly is essential for preventing serious or fatal injuries in high-risk environments. Malta Dynamics is committed to providing quality fall protection equipment designed with the highest standards in mind, ensuring both safety and productivity for construction workers across industries.

Our line of fall protection safety harnesses offers reliable solutions tailored to meet the demands of challenging work environments. With a focus on durability, ease of use, and compliance with OSHA standards, a full body harness from Malta Dynamics helps reduce risks and support occupational safety. We understand the importance of proper harness fit, secure D-ring placements, and versatile features to accommodate diverse tasks, from construction to mobile platform use.

For workers and employers seeking dependable fall protection solutions, Malta Dynamics is here to provide expertise, premium safety gear, and ongoing support. Contact us to learn more about our range of safety products and discover how we can help meet your specific needs for effective fall protection.