Why Are Safety Harnesses Important?

Typically, safety harnesses are used by mountain climbers or construction workers to prevent them from falling from unsafe heights and possibly injuring themselves. However, there are other jobs or activities--from bungee jumping to parachuting--that may require a safety harness, and the type of harness used various accordingly.

Significance

• The proper use of safety harnesses can prevent death or serious injury while working or participating in a leisure activity. According to a 2004 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an estimated 1,224 construction workers died on the job. The report said that at least 36 percent of those deaths were from falls. In addition, experts from Select Safety Sales say the falls came from a number of factors like unstable working surfaces, human error and the misuse of or lack of fall protection equipment.

  Other statistics also support the need of safety harnesses when doing certain activities. The American Alpine Club reported in 2007 that there were 15 rock climbing fatalities in the United States, which was low in comparison to 53 deaths in 1956. Some credit the improvements in rock climbing equipment like harnesses.

Types of Harnesses

• Full body-harnesses are used for a variety of activities, including construction work and rock climbing, to prevent injury or death from fall. Other harnesses are used for restraint, such as seat belt harnesses for racing or harnesses added to child car seats for protection in car accidents. No matter what the type, harnesses all provide some type of added protection to prevent death or bodily injury.

  Another leisure activity that requires a harness is bungee jumping. Other sports like automobile racing, paintball games, dog sledding and parachuting also require a harness.

Features

• Harnesses are a series of straps and buckles made of various materials. Most are made of nylon and nylon webbing. Other materials include different types of foam, mesh and micro fleece. The harness tends to be adjustable to fit the person using it. Some harness safety systems may have various weight restrictions.

Functions

• Harnesses vary in function depending on the activity. For example, rock climbers use three types of harnesses: a chest harness, sit harness and a full-body climbing harness. The full-body harness can be used at all times to connect to the climber's belay rope (safety rope).

  Bungee jumping harnesses are typically available in two types. The ankle harness secures the bungee to the body, but an added body harness may be used for more security.

  Construction workers typically wear full-body harnesses that connect to a safety rope. If a worker falls, the harness's connection to the rope helps keep the worker from falling to the ground if used properly. Their harness systems consist of connectors, anchorage and a full-body harness.

Warning

• You should buy a harness that is made specifically for the job, sport or purpose you need the harness for. In addition, safety, functionality and comfort are also things that should be considered.