b'SAFETYContinued from page 25harness 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 users dorsal D-ring at the ideal location on their upper back. The dorsal D-ring should sit centered between the shoulder blades on a users 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 the strap, but not a fisted hand. When properlytheir connection devices snap hook or carabiner. tightened, the leg straps should not move up andThe dorsal D-ring sits where many users can down the leg while walking but remain stationaryreach behind their backs, but that is not a fit in their location. requirement.Tips for adjusting torso and shoulder strapsTraining At this point, the user should have two properlyOSHA requires employers to conduct annual adjusted leg straps and now must adjust theirtraining for employees who use fall protection torso and shoulder straps. Align the torso strap soequipment. However, if safety managers are that it sits horizontally across the chest. Similarnoticing compliance issues or employees misusing to the leg straps, incorrect placement of the torsoequipment, more frequent training may be strap could cause further injury. necessary. There is no way to determine exactly how much training an employee requires to If the torso strap is too high on the users chestensure proper use of fall protection equipment, so during a fall, it has the potential to slide up andsafety managers must remain vigilant and ensure put pressure on the users neck. If the torsotheir employees are complying with industry best strap is too low, the dorsal D-ring on the back ofpractices.the harness will not sit in its proper position. ToIn conclusion verify the proper placement of the torso strap, the user should place their arms flat against the sideThe complexity of maintaining a comprehensive of their body. If the strap is in the right place, itfall protection program cant be understated. should sit directly between the two crevices madeMany factors can contribute to or inhibit a safety from the users armpits. programs success. Buy-in from company The user might need to tighten the two shoulderleadership, users complying with policies to the straps at this time to achieve proper alignmentbest of their abilities, and effective communication of the torso strap. The shoulder straps should bethat leads to continuous improvement are some of tightened to the level that they put slight pressurethe cornerstones of a successful safety program, on the users shoulders, but not so much thatbut they are not enough to make the program work they feel uncomfortably tight over the shoulders.on its own. Everyone in the organization must A properly fit harness should be felt all over thedo their part on a daily basis to contribute to the users body. Some people describe their harnessprograms effectiveness.as feeling like an exoskeleton that is conformed toPhilip Jacklin is the Continuing Education Program their body.Manager for Diversified Fall Protection. He is an AIA Ideal dorsal D-ring locationcontinuing ed provider, QSSP certified, OSHA-30 trained, and has been a partner to the fall protection Once a user believes their harness is properlyindustry since 2018. Philip has a background in worker fit, they should have another user or the sitesadvocacy, team leadership, and fostering camaraderie competent person approve the fit. Straps shouldamong peers. He enjoys playing music, writing, and not be twisted nor inverted, and all buckles shouldspending time in the sunshine with his family in Virginia remain fastened until work is finished. If theBeach, Va. 26 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'