the strap, but not a fisted hand. When properly 
tightened, the leg straps should not move up and 
down the leg while walking but remain stationary 
in their location.
Tips for adjusting torso and shoulder straps 
At this point, the user should have two properly 
adjusted leg straps and now must adjust their 
torso and shoulder straps. Align the torso strap so 
that it sits horizontally across the chest. Similar 
to the leg straps, incorrect placement of the torso 
strap could cause further injury.
If the torso strap is too high on the user’s chest 
during a fall, it has the potential to slide up and 
put pressure on the user’s neck. If the torso 
strap is too low, the dorsal D-ring on the back of 
the harness will not sit in its proper position. To 
verify the proper placement of the torso strap, the 
user should place their arms flat against the side 
of their body. If the strap is in the right place, it 
should sit directly between the two crevices made 
from the user’s armpits.
The user might need to tighten the two shoulder 
straps at this time to achieve proper alignment 
of the torso strap. The shoulder straps should be 
tightened to the level that they put slight pressure 
on the user’s shoulders, but not so much that 
they feel uncomfortably tight over the shoulders. 
A properly fit harness should be felt all over the 
user’s body. Some people describe their harness 
as feeling like an exoskeleton that is conformed to 
their body. 
Ideal dorsal D-ring location 
Once a user believes their harness is properly 
fit, they should have another user or the site’s 
“competent person” approve the fit. Straps should 
not be twisted nor inverted, and all buckles should 
remain fastened until work is finished. If the 
harness must be adjusted while working, the user 
should only do so in an area where fall protection 
is no longer required.
Often, a properly fit harness naturally places a 
user’s dorsal D-ring at the ideal location on their 
upper back. The dorsal D-ring should sit centered 
between the shoulder blades on a user’s upper 
back. Too low of a D-ring does not allow for proper 
body positioning during fall arrest, and too high of 
a D-ring risks the user being struck in the head by 
their connection device’s snap hook or carabiner. 
The dorsal D-ring sits where many users can 
reach behind their backs, but that is not a fit 
requirement.
Training 
OSHA requires employers to conduct annual 
training for employees who use fall protection 
equipment. However, if safety managers are 
noticing compliance issues or employees misusing 
equipment, more frequent training may be 
necessary. There is no way to determine exactly 
how much training an employee requires to 
ensure proper use of fall protection equipment, so 
safety managers must remain vigilant and ensure 
their employees are complying with industry best 
practices.
In conclusion 
The complexity of maintaining a comprehensive 
fall protection program can’t be understated. 
Many factors can contribute to or inhibit a safety 
program’s success. Buy-in from company 
leadership, users complying with policies to the 
best of their abilities, and effective communication 
that leads to continuous improvement are some of 
the cornerstones of a successful safety program, 
but they are not enough to make the program work 
on its own. Everyone in the organization must 
do their part on a daily basis to contribute to the 
program’s effectiveness.
Philip Jacklin is the Continuing Education Program 
Manager for Diversified Fall Protection. He is an AIA 
continuing ed provider, QSSP certified, OSHA-30 
trained, and has been a partner to the fall protection 
industry since 2018. Philip has a background in worker 
advocacy, team leadership, and fostering camaraderie 
among peers. He enjoys playing music, writing, and 
spending time in the sunshine with his family in Virginia 
Beach, Va. 
www.mrca.org  —  Midwest Roofer
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SAFETY

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