Top 5 most important full-body harness features.

Only a properly fitted harness will ensure the correct distribution of fall arrest forces to the appropriate regions of the body. In the event of a fall, if the harness is too loose, the uneven distribution of forces throughout the body could exert dangerous pressure on certain areas. Movement of the sub-pelvic strap can lead to serious injury for male workers, and if the chest strap is loose, it can cause the shoulder straps to fall off the shoulders. A harness that is not correctly adjusted can cause a choking hazard in the event of a fall. Any loose straps could also prove hazardous if caught on moving or heavy equipment. Harnesses that are too tight also lead to the improper distribution of fall arrest forces in the event of a fall, as well as extreme discomfort and loss of circulation.

1. Comfort
It’s all very well for a harness to meet Australian Standards and have every certification mark going. However, these safety components are useless if the harness doesn’t get worn, or is worn incorrectly. Some harnesses have to be worn for up to 12 hours per day, so comfort is paramount. Webbing and edging should be soft to avoid chafing the skin, and in moist environments, anti-absorbent and waterrepellant webbing can help to keep the worker cool and dry. Padding around the shoulder straps and leg areas is essential.

2. Adjustability
The harness will not be comfortable if it doesn’t fit properly. There should be multiple points of adjustment, in order to ensure the worker can properly fit the harness to his own body. Adjustment points should be maintained and secure. This is less easy to find in a full-body harness, as often adjustments are required throughout the day. However, today harnesses are available with adjusters and quick-connect buckles that lock without loosening, even when worn for extended periods.

3. Ease of donning and use
Features to look for to maximise ease of donning and use include quick-connect buckles and stand-up dorsal D-rings. It’s also easier to put on harnesses that maintain their shape so they don’t get tangled.

4. Durability
A good quality harness will stand up to any environment that it’s being used in, making the investment in premium harnesses worthwhile. Features such as pads over high-wear areas like shoulder straps help to reduce them from wearing out. Other durability features include rigid belt loops, corrosion-resistant hardware and abrasion-resistant webbing.

5.Customisation
Different harnesses suit different work situations, so it’s critical to select the right harness to complement the task at hand. If the harness is treated like a vital tool of the trade rather than a hindrance, then the worker will be far more inclined to wear it. There are several customised features available on the market, such as areas to attach a tool pouch, suspension trauma straps and seat slings.

As well as ensuring the right harness selection and fit, the equipment needs to be inspected before and after each use to ensure it is in good working order. If there is ever any sign of an unsafe condition or if the harness shows signs that it has arrested a fall it should be immediately withdrawn from service & destroyed. An inspection program should be developed by a competent and trained person at least 6-monthly, or less depending on the working conditions during use. Each separate inspection should incorporate five distinct elements: hardware, webbing, labels, subsystem components and record keeping.

The manufacturer’s instruction manuals also include information on how to adjust and don the harness. 3M Fall Protection has a range of instructional posters on how to properly fit and inspect a harness, along with inspection and maintenance guidelines, checklists and a wide range of accredited training courses. Contact your 3M Fall Protection Specialist for more information.

Introducing the Protecta® X, the new generation of 3M™ Protecta® Fall Arrest Harnesses, redesigned and upgraded to incorporate enhanced comfort and safety elements. A range of harnesses that provide reliable protection, comfort and convenience; now with upgraded premium features and a sleek, modern look – all at an affordable price. Available in a variety of styles and configurations, these new harnesses have enhanced features as standard inclusions, including quick connect buckles, auto-resetting lanyard keepers as well as softer and more durable hip padding.

Backed by science, every feature is carefully thought of and crafted based on research, user experience, technology innovations, science and most importantly, with your workers at height in mind. The new 3M™ Protecta® X Fall Arrest Harness range – raising the bar but not the price. Ideal for use in a wide range of industries, including construction, utilities, telecommunications, manufacturing, MRO, transportation mining and general industrial applications.

3M™ Protecta® X Fall Arrest Harnesses features at a glance

* Compared to previous model ** Only available on selected models

3M™ Protecta® X demonstration.

Every at-height worker deserves to be safe, no matter the size or nature of the job. That’s why Protecta® has become the go-to choice for safety managers looking for reliable fall protection solutions that comply with safety regulations and complies with industry requirements to help their workers get the job done and return home safely at the end of each day. This article is a general guide, reach out to a 3M Fall Protection Specialist if you’re unsure of any aspect of fall protection or fall protection equipment.

Want to learn more about full body harnesses? Tune in to the Science of Safety Podcast Episode 83: Fall protection body harnesses.

*T&C's Apply:
•  Businesses should have a minimum of 20 workers to qualify for the demo
•  Demo is subjected to:

• Location
• Effective implementation of COVID-19-safe controls
• Travel restrictions and local health requirements