Fall ProtectionBackground

Workers have been observed on a number of work sites using safety belts for fall protection. The practice is widespread and prompts this safety alert.

Safety belts can cause injuries to personnel should they be subjected to a fall. For this reason, all workers who are exposed to fall hazards must be protected with a safety harness instead of a belt.

Safety harnesses are designed to transmit the energy from a fall to all parts of the body and thereby lessen the chance of injury. Another important aspect of fall protection is the recovery of personnel suspended in the air after a fall. Safety belts will place an inordinate amount of pressure on the abdomen of the worker while rescue operations begin. In contrast, safety harnesses are designed to provide adequate support while the rescue takes place.

Recommendations

Personnel working at heights shall use a safety harness rather than a safety belt for fall protection. Consult Chapter 4 Section 2.8 of the HSE Manual for the construction and design standards of harnesses and lifelines.

Learning Points

Safety belts are completely inadequate for fall protection. They may cause injuries in use and the worker may slip out before a rescue can be accomplished.

SafetyAlertCommitted

toSafety

09/94