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Sizing and fit of fall-protection harnesses.

Authors

Hsiao-H; Bradtmiller-B; Whitestone-J

Source

Ergonomics 2003 Oct; 46(12):1233-1258

Link

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00140130310001593595 

NIOSHTIC No.

20023753 

Abstract

Full-body fall-protection harnesses have been a critical work-practice control technology for reducing the number of fall-related injuries and fatalities among construction workers; yet, very little is known about the fit of these harnesses to the population that wears them. This study evaluated the fit and sizing efficacy of a harness system. Seventy-two male and 26 female construction workers participated in the study. Their body size-and-shape information was measured while they were suspended (with a harness) and standing (with and without a harness), using a 3-D full-body laser scanner and traditional anthropometric calipers. Fisher's discriminant analysis results did not point to the need for a change in the current sizing selection scheme by body height and weight for end users. However, an integrated redesign of harness components is needed because 40% of subjects did not pass fit-performance criteria in either the standing or suspended condition. A multivariate accommodation analysis has identified 15 representative body models for the 'standard-size' harness design. These models can serve as a useful population to test harness design until a larger survey of the nation's construction workers can be done. Finally, further developments in 3-D shape quantification methods are recommended to improve the harness design process; the point-to-point anthropometric information currently used seems to be insufficient for harness design.

Keywords

Ergonomics; Personal-protective-equipment; Harnesses; Construction-equipment; Construction-industry; Construction-workers; Control-equipment; Control-technology; Injury-prevention; Antibacterial-agents; Lasers; Scanning-techniques

Contact

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Safety Research, Protective Technology Branch, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505

CODEN

ERGOAX

Publication Date

20031010

Document Type

Journal Article

Email Address

hhsiao@cdc.gov

Funding Type

Construction

Fiscal Year

2004

NTIS Accession No.

NTIS Price

Issue of Publication

12

ISSN

0014-0139

NIOSH Division

DSR

Priority Area

Disease and Injury: Traumatic Injuries

Source Name

Ergonomics

State

OH; WV