Safety Harnesses

Construction is one of the most hazardous jobs being done today and the single biggest cause of death on construction sites is falling from heights. While safety harnesses and other fall protection are available, making sure that its use is properly understood is just as important as the equipment itself. Improper use of this equipment can be almost as dangerous as not using it at all.

Not only should fall protection training be given by a qualified instructor, but hands on training for anyone using fall protection equipment is essential in order to fully understand its limitations as well as its capabilities. This type of training will help promote confidence in the worker as he or she does their job and should be done not only during the initial job training, but periodically reviewed as well.

Part of the training that everyone should receive in the use of safety harnesses is the inspection of the equipment before each use. The harness should be inspected visually to ensure that it remains in a serviceable condition. Every portion of the harness should be inspected visually for wear. Look for things such as burns, cuts, abrasion, frayed edges or other damage to the straps. The stitching should also be examined for any signs of wear such as pulled, torn, or loose stitching.

Choosing the right type of harness for the job is also imperative to the safety of the worker involved. The type of job being done is a very important factor in the choice of safety harnesses. Specific conditions on the job site can affect the materials that the harness is made of or present other safety issues. The presence of dirt, oil, grease, moisture, and even the temperature can prevent the harness from doing its job as intended.

While training workers in the proper use and care of safety equipment is a good place to start, it is also important to lead by example. Make sure that everyone on the job site adheres to the safety standards at all times; including supervisors and overseers. By setting a good example, the workers will see that you take job safety seriously and have their best interests in mind.