Tips for buying a fall protection harness

So you are tired of the starter harness that was given to you, the one that almost fits everyone but really never fits right. If you need to wear a harness, then get one that fits. I look at it like a pair of work boots. You learn that a good boot is worth the cost and the time it takes to try different ones on and walk a few steps. If you are like me, the first boots you bought are much different than the boots you wear after a few years. Same with a harness.

Skip the bells and whistles if you don’t need them. Extra D-rings are just extra weight and snags if they are not needed. Get padding only where you need it; some of these harnesses feel like they are a diaper thanks to the leg padding. Consider a few days on the job, and the harness will no longer be shiny and new, don’t buy one because of the color or fancy trim.

Just like the boots, put the harness on, fit it, and try it before you buy it. If you use work positioning, then try it; climb towers, then try it. If it is not perfect, then keep looking.

You would not wear boots that don’t fit—don’t wear a harness that does not fit.