Safety Harnesses Save Lives!

Yes it is really true. Safety harnesses can save lives and reduce the risk of serious injury but there is one side-note to this statement, one small little detail that many folks seem to dismiss for whatever reason. Are you ready for it? Here is it is. The big reveal…

Safety harnesses only save if you use them!

Amazing isn’t it? With all the fall protection equipment we have available to us, still many people are not protecting themselves from serious injury or death from working with heights, at work, whether at home on the roof, putting up lights, or even at play.

Here is a sobering thought for you.

• Non-Intentional falling is the number one cause of injury:

In 2009 According to the National Center for Injury Prevention Non-Intentional falls were the number one source of non-fatal injuries for 2009 with over 8,765,597 injuries ranging in all categories. While not of these statistics are due to heights, with over 8 million reported cases, you can be sure that many were.

Not sobering enough for you?

Here is a tidbit of information for my friends in the construction industry.

• In 2009 nearly 50% of FATAL injuries happened on construction sites.

Did that wake you up? I hope so, because last time I checked, life was just too precious to be cut short by something that can be avoided. Of course nothing short of locking yourself in a room with food and water can guarantee you total and complete safety, nor I would recommend it as that sounds very boring and what kind of a life is that anyways?

Ok, I hear you now what?

You can protect yourself from death or serious injury by using a safety harness

Now that we have established that you are indeed wise in wanting to take care of your health let’s talk about what you need to do. Ready to take the next step?

Know what you need to stay safe:

It is important to use several key components in conjunction with each other to provide the maximum protection from injury or death in event of a fall. By using the equipment listed below, you are well on y our way to creating your own customized fall arrest protection system. Two of the main categories for personal fall protection are as follows:

• Fall Arrest-Should be used at a minimum of four feet in height or more.

• Suspension– Used mainly for window washing or painting. Allows for hands free work.

These systems generally consist the following:

• Full body safety harness

• Connecting device / lanyard or fall lifeline

• Anchorage connector otherwise known as a tie-off point

Safety harnesses, (full body harness) come in a variety of styles with options for ease of use, connection points, D-ring options, comfort, personal fit and buckle types.

Connecting devices, such as a lanyard connects to the safety harness, which in turn is connected to the anchorage or “tie-off” point. There are many things to take into account in determining what type and length of lanyard should be used depending on how much fall clearance you have.

A wide variety of full body safety harnesses are available for work and recreational use as well as home use. There are safety harnesses used mainly for construction, for window washing, Tree Climbing, Electrical work, Lineman, Oil rigging, roofing as well as general purpose just to name a few.

The important thing is that you keep yourself protected from injury or death in the event of a fall.

With that in mind..

Not all equipment is created equal:

Know what is the right equipment for you. There are several different agencies that set safety harness guidelines and standards to ensure integrity in both the manufacturing of the product as well as overseeing safety on the work sites.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has developed mandatory criteria for personal fall arrest systems as well as safety standards and criteria for safety harnesses. When buying a safety harness be sure and make sure that the manufacture is in compliance with these guidelines. A reputable business or manufacture should list that there products meet or exceeds the listed standards. Be sure to check if the product meets ANSI, CSA standards and is ISO certified.

Knowledge without action is a waste of time.

Remember that safety harnesses can save your, but the choice is up to you.

• Make the decision to invest in your future.

• Research and find the right safety harness and matching equipment works best for you and your situation.

• Buy quality gear that meets the listed compliance standards.

And most of all… Stay Safe!

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