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Harnesses and Lanyards

Slips Trips Falls | OSHA Fatal Four

The Problem

Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry, accounting for about 30% of all workplace deaths. Many of these incidents occur because workers either don’t use fall protection equipment correctly or use damaged equipment. Today, we’ll focus on harnesses and lanyards—essential tools for fall protection—and how to use and maintain them to stay safe.

Identify the Hazards

  • Improper Fit:
    A harness that doesn’t fit correctly can fail to arrest a fall or cause injury during a fall.
  • Damaged Equipment:
    Frayed lanyards, worn straps, or rusted buckles compromise safety.
  • Incorrect Use:
    Not attaching to an approved anchor point or using the wrong type of lanyard for the job can lead to failure.

Lack of Inspections: Overlooking routine inspections increases the risk of undetected equipment failure.

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

To mitigate these hazards, always follow these guidelines:

  1. Selecting the Right Equipment:

    • Use a harness that is designed for your body size and weight.
    • Choose a lanyard that matches the type of work you are performing (e.g., shock-absorbing lanyards for fall arrest).
  2. Inspecting Your Equipment:

    • Harness: Check for frayed, cut, or damaged webbing. Inspect buckles for rust or cracks and ensure all straps are intact.
    • Lanyard: Look for signs of wear, such as fraying or broken stitching. Ensure connectors and hooks are not bent or damaged.
    • Remove any defective equipment from service immediately.
  3. Proper Fitting:

    • Adjust the harness to fit snugly. It should not sag or feel too tight.
    • Ensure the D-ring is centred between your shoulder blades for proper fall arrest positioning.
  4. Using the Equipment Safely:

    • Always attach the lanyard to an approved anchor point capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds.
    • Keep the anchor point above your head whenever possible to reduce fall distance.
    • Avoid tying off to scaffolding rails or other non-approved anchor points.
  5. Storage and Maintenance:

    • Store harnesses and lanyards in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight.
    • Avoid exposing equipment to chemicals or extreme heat, which can degrade materials.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

E.g. Recently, a worker fell 15 feet when his harness failed. Upon investigation, it was found that the webbing had several unnoticed tears. This tragic incident could have been avoided if the harness had been properly inspected before use. Regular equipment checks save lives.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Inspect your harness and lanyard before each use.
  • Report any damaged or defective equipment to your supervisor immediately.
  • Use fall protection equipment properly and only anchor to approved points.
  • Always wear your harness correctly and ensure it fits snugly.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide proper training on the use and inspection of fall protection equipment.
  • Supply workers with equipment that meets OSHA standards.
  • Replace defective or damaged equipment promptly.
  • Ensure adequate anchor points are available at worksites.

Discussion & Questions

  • "Have you ever encountered a damaged harness or lanyard on-site? How was it addressed?"
  • "What challenges do you face when using harnesses and lanyards?"

(Encourage employees to share experiences and raise concerns about equipment or usage.)

Commitment/Action Plan

Let’s commit to inspecting our fall protection equipment daily and using it properly every time we work at height. By doing so, we can prevent falls and protect ourselves and our coworkers.

Wrap-Up

Fall protection equipment, when used correctly, saves lives. Taking a few extra minutes to inspect your harness and lanyard and ensure proper fit can make all the difference. Thank you for prioritizing safety and making our workplace fall-free.

Standards Overview

  • OSHA Standard 1926.502(d): Requires all personal fall arrest systems, including harnesses and lanyards, to meet specific criteria for strength, inspection, and proper use.
  • OSHA mandates that workers at heights of 6 feet or more must use fall protection systems.
  • Equipment must be inspected regularly and removed from service if defective.
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Legal Disclaimer

This toolbox talk is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The information presented is based on best practices and general industry standards but may not apply to all workplace situations.
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It is the responsibility of the employer, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards. The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
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Participants are encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals to address specific concerns or questions. Always follow your organization's policies and procedures for workplace safety and hazard mitigation.

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