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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Hsiao
Hongwei
H
Protective Technology Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Rd., Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. hhsiao@cdc.gov
Whitestone
Jennifer
J
Taylor
Stacie
S
Godby
Mary
M
Guan
Jinhua
J
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D049628:Body Size; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000592:standards*