Harness sizing and strap length configurations.

OBJECTIVE

This article describes the derivation of strap lengths and adjustments to fall-arrest harnesses and the development of harness size configurations.

BACKGROUND

Updated harness sizing configurations are needed to accommodate diverse populations in the current workforce.

METHOD

Three-dimensional torso anthropometric data from 243 women and 258 men were incorporated into eight validated equations to develop a cost-effective harness sizing plan and to define strap lengths.

RESULTS

To met strap adjustable range goals and to accommodate 95% to 98% of the estimated population, two sizing options were identified.

CONCLUSION

Study outcomes suggest system improvement with three to four sizes for women and three to four sizes for men, on which the adjustment ranges of the torso straps were within 15 to 17 cm and within 20 to 23 cm on thigh and hip straps.

APPLICATION

This research provided harness sizing and cut-length information for harness design to reduce the risk of worker injury that results from poor fit or improper size selection.