Field
The disclosed concept relates generally to fall protection systems, and in particular, to safety harnesses for use in fall protection systems.
Background Information
In fall protection systems, a worker typically wears a safety harness with an attached lifeline. The lifeline is then attached to an anchor, such as a roof anchor. If a worker begins to fall, the lifeline, harness, and anchor, working together, are operable to suspend the fall and bear the worker's weight. In some cases the worker may need to remain in the suspended position for an extended period of time. For example, a worker that falls from the roof of a building may be suspended on the side of the building until he is able to be retrieved.
Many type of safety harnesses are full body harnesses that include shoulder straps and leg straps. The shoulder straps and leg straps are typically formed from woven webbing material such as nylon or other similar materials. The lifeline is usually attached to the back of the harness around where the shoulder straps meet each other.
In the period immediately after a fall, the worker is generally suspended in a vertical orientation, similar to the position the worker would be when standing. When suspended in the vertical position, the force applied by the leg straps to support the worker's weight can be uncomfortable and unhealthy if maintained for an extended period of time. In the suspended position, it is difficult for the worker to reduce the force applied by the leg straps.