A body harness is the primary connecting device worn by workers in fall arrest systems. Unlike older body belts (now banned in most jurisdictions for fall arrest), a full-body harness spreads the impact load of a fall across multiple points of the body, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury.
Key components
- Shoulder straps
- Leg straps
- Sub-pelvic strap
- Dorsal (back) D-ring — primary fall arrest attachment
- Optional front D-ring (rope access, ladder climbing)
- Optional side D-rings (work positioning)
Standards
Construction, strength, and labelling are specified by EN 361 in Europe and ANSI Z359.11 in the United States.
Inspection
Regular pre-use inspection is mandatory: check for cuts, fraying, broken stitching, damaged buckles, and label legibility. Any harness involved in a fall must be removed from service.