Body Wear (Full-Body Harnesses)

The first component of a personal fall arrest system is the Body Wear worn by workers while performing the job. Simply put, the full-body harness is the only acceptable form of body wear for fall arrest.

The body belt is no longer recommended; and, as of January 1, 1998, most regulations governing fall protection prohibit the use of body belts for fall protection due to the concentration of fall forces on the abdomen. Full-body harnesses distribute fall forces throughout the body, substantially reducing the chance of injury.

In addition, the full-body harness keeps the worker suspended upright in the event of a fall and supported while awaiting rescue.