Evaluation of fall arrest harness sizing schemes.

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics and Human Factors
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Anthropometry

Background:

• Current fall protection harness sizing systems require updates to effectively fit a diverse and evolving workforce.
• Addressing anthropometric variations is crucial for ensuring worker safety and comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate existing harness sizing schemes and anthropometric data for improved harness design.
• To develop a more accurate sizing system for fall protection harnesses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D torso scan data from 108 women and 108 men.
• Employed an "abounding box" approach to analyze torso shape and size effects on harness fit.
• Developed and tested a logistic regression model with eight equations.

Main Results:

• The developed logistic regression model accurately classified over 96% of participants to the optimal harness size.
• Identified specific anthropometric criteria, including thigh strap angle and back D ring location, for enhanced fit prediction.

Conclusions:

• Proposed an alternative sizing system: two sizes for women and three for men, differing from the current four-size unisex system.
• Implementing these findings can reduce worker injury risks associated with poor harness fit and improper donning.