If your company uses a harness then you probably have a good idea why. If a worker falls without protection then it’s all over. Unfortunately, we’ve been noticing a disturbing trend of incorrectly anchored harnesses.
What should be done?
Ensure your staff who use a harness are trained and hold the appropriate unit standards for harness work (varies depending on task). Harnesses can be tricky beasts and incorrectly setting them up can do more harm than good.
Harnesses used for fall arrest should only be anchored to load-tested anchors. The amount of force a human body exerts on a very small anchor point is quite considerable – failure to attach the harness to the correct point will result in injury or worse.
We’ve found that carelessness is a big reason why people don’t anchor correctly. Wearing a harness looks good, especially if a WorkSafe inspector makes a casual glance from the road. But unless it’s anchored then you’re wasting your time.
Nailed It Tip of the Day
Ensure your staff are trained and aware of the hazards of using a harness. Please.
Need some advice on training? You should give us a call. Did we mention the first consultation is free?
