Evaluation of fall arrest harness sizing schemes
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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
Hongwei Hsiao1, Jennifer Whitestone, Tsui-Ying Kau
1Protective Technology Branch, Division of Safety Research, NIOSH, 1095 Willowdale Rd., Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. hhsiao@cdc.gov
Objective:
This paper evaluated harness sizing schemes and anthropometric criteria for harness design applications.
Background:
Updated harness sizing systems are needed to accommodate diverse populations in the current workforce.
Method:
Three-dimensional torso scan data and human-harness interfaces from 108 women and 108 men were digitally captured. Abounding box approach was employed to quantify the effect of torso shape and size on fall harness fit.
Results:
A logistic regression model with eight equations was developed and tested to classify more than 96% of participants to the best-fitting size.
Conclusion:
Study outcomes suggested an alternative system of two sizes for women and three sizes for men over the current four-size unisex system. In addition, thigh strap angle and back D ring location could be utilized along with current harness static fit test criteria to further enhance postfall harness fit predictions.
Application:
This research could help reduce the risk of worker injury resulting from poor fit, improper size selection, or failure to don the harness properly.
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