Safety Harnesses & Body Wear

Fall Protection Harnesses

Choosing the right safety harness for your application is essential, not only to protect your crew from fall-related injuries, but also to ensure their comfort and mobility while working at height.

There are many variables to consider when picking your fall protection harness, including application, worker size, D-ring number / placement, and more.

Full-Body Safety Harness Applications

While most harnesses are general purpose - almost any style can be used as a roof safety harness, for example - there are instances where specialized body wear is required.

Fall Arrest Harnesses

For general fall arrest situations, all you need is a harness with a dorsal D-ring. This D-ring is included on all harnesses and is the primary connection point.

Positioning Body Wear

Positioning or construction harnesses come with two hip D-rings that allow for additional connections to netting, rebar, etc. These harnesses are best-suited for applications where workers will need full use of both hands.

Safety Climbing Harnesses

If your crew will be using a ladder system or a descent control device, you'll need a harness with a sternal D-ring. This front D-ring lets you add an additional connection for added control and safety.

Arc Flash-Rated Harnesses

If your jobsite includes potential exposure to an electric arc, you'll want an arc-rated harness. Designed with arc-resistant Nomex® webbing, a flame-resistant Kevlar® fiber core, and PVC-coated hardware, these harnesses will insulate the wearer from an electrical current if an arc flash occurs.

Iron Work

Iron workers tend to need a lot of heavy tools - to ensure your crew doesn't have to deal with uncomfortable belt pinching or curling, choose an FT-Iron belted harness. It has a rugged waist belt that can distribute the weight of tools evenly for better performance.

Safety Harness Hardware Material

Harness hardware includes D-rings, torso adjusters, and buckles. Generally, most hardware is made from either steel or aluminum. Both are heavy-duty materials that can withstand a variety of environments, so the primary deciding factor is weight.

Aluminum is lighter, which is helpful if you are approaching the weight limit for a self-retracting lifeline or connector. It's also more comfortable to wear over long periods.

Leg & Chest Connectors

To ensure a safe and comfortable fit, your fall protection harness should have a chest connector and leg connectors. There are several different styles to choose from, each with their own benefits.

Pass-Through / Parachute Buckles

A pass-through buckle is the most economical choice, but it does run the risk of loosening over the course of the workday.

Tongue Buckles

Tongue buckles consist of a strap with grommets and a buckle, similar to a belt you would wear around your waist. They take longer to adjust than the other styles, but will stay tight as your crew maneuvers around the jobsite.

Quick Connect Buckles

QC buckles are easy and fast to use, making them the preferred choice for many harness-wearers. However, they are the most expensive option.

Fall Protection Harness Sizing

When it comes to safety harnesses, one size does not fit all. Most of our harnesses come in multiple sizes, so it's simple to get the best fit for each person on your team. 

Women's Safety Harnesses

If you have any women on your crew, consider the FallTech FT-One women's harnesses. Designed with input from women in the industry, it has innovative hip adjustability that eliminates the need for women to size up to get a comfortable hip fit.

Additional Features

Some fall arrest harnesses come with extra features such as lanyard keepers, SRL connection points, and more.

Horizontal / lateral leg straps, for example, help to eliminate much of the discomfort that is associated with traditional leg straps.

Many of our harnesses come with suspension trauma straps as well, which help to relieve pressure after a fall. These trauma straps are also sold separately!

Questions?

If you need help making an informed decision about what safety harness is most suited to your jobsite and workers, give us a call! Our product experts can answer any questions you may have, as well as help you place an order.

Looking for additional fall protection equipment? We offer safety lanyards, SRLs, tool tethers, horizontal lifelines, and more!