Staying Safe in a Harness: Essential Tips for Construction Workers
Falling from height is one of the biggest risks in construction. That’s why safety harnesses exist—to keep workers protected when working on scaffolding, roofs, and other elevated areas. But simply wearing one isn’t enough. If a harness is used incorrectly, it can fail when you need it most.
Too loose, and you might slip out. Too tight, and you could suffer serious injuries in a fall. And if it’s not connected to a secure anchor? It won’t do anything to stop you from hitting the ground.
To make sure your harness keeps you safe, here’s what you need to know.
Get the Right Training
A harness can’t protect you if you don’t know how to use it properly. And yet, many workers put theirs on without fully understanding how to adjust it, inspect it, or connect it to a secure anchor point. That’s a problem. Taking a proper safety course on harness use and fall protection with Skyward Training is one of the best things you can do for your safety.
It’ll teach you how to:
- Fit your harness so it holds you securely in a fall.
- Recognise damage that makes a harness unsafe.
- Use anchor points correctly.
- Reduce the risk of common hazards like a sudden swing into a wall or structure.
If your employer offers training, take it. If they don’t, find a certified course yourself. A bit of knowledge could save your life.
Check Your Harness Before Every Use
Think of your harness as a lifeline—because it is. Would you trust a rope with frayed strands to hold your weight? Of course not. The same logic applies here.
Before putting on your harness, give it a thorough check. Look for any cuts, fraying, or loose stitching on the straps. Inspect the buckles and D-rings for cracks, rust, or anything that looks off. If something seems wrong, don’t just brush it off. Report it and get a replacement.
One of the biggest mistakes workers make is using a harness that’s already been through a fall. Once a harness has taken that kind of force, it may not be safe to use again—even if it looks fine. If there’s any doubt, don’t take the risk.
Fit It Properly—It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
Ever seen someone wearing a harness that looks way too loose? Or one that’s so tight it looks painful? Neither is safe.
A harness should fit snugly but comfortably. The leg straps need to be tight enough to stop you from slipping through, but not so tight they cut off circulation. The chest strap should sit at mid-chest level—not up near your throat or down near your stomach. And the whole harness should sit close to your body without being restrictive.
Once you’ve adjusted it, do a quick test. Move around, squat, stretch your arms—if the harness shifts too much or feels uncomfortable, tweak the fit until it’s right.
Anchor Points Matter—Choose Wisely
A harness doesn’t stop a fall on its own. It needs to be connected to a strong, secure anchor point that can handle the force of an accident.
This is where a lot of workers get it wrong. Some clip onto whatever is nearby without thinking about whether it’s actually designed for fall protection. A pipe or weak railing won’t hold your weight in a fall, and neither will a poorly placed beam.
Always check that your anchor point is rated for fall arrest and positioned correctly—ideally, it should be above you. The lower it is, the further you’ll fall before the harness catches you. That extra distance could mean the difference between a safe stop and hitting something on the way down.
Watch Out for Swing Hazards
Even if your harness stops you from falling straight to the ground, you could still get hurt if you swing into something. This is known as the “pendulum effect,” and it happens when you’re working too far from your anchor point.
Picture this: You fall, and instead of stopping in place, you swing like a wrecking ball—right into a steel beam, a concrete wall, or scaffolding. The impact can cause serious injuries, sometimes worse than the fall itself.
To avoid this, always work as directly beneath your anchor point as possible. The less slack in your lanyard, the better.
Key Safety Reminders
- Never assume your harness is safe—always inspect it before use.
- Make sure it fits properly. Loose or tight harnesses won’t protect you.
- Use a strong anchor point—don’t clip onto something unreliable.
- Watch for swing hazards. Falling isn’t the only danger; hitting something mid-air can be just as bad.
- Get proper training. The more you know, the safer you’ll be.
Storing Your Harness Correctly
At the end of the day, don’t just throw your harness in a pile of tools. How you store it affects its lifespan.
Hang it up in a dry, cool area. Keep it away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and extreme heat. If it gets wet, let it dry fully before using it again—moisture can weaken the webbing over time.
A harness that’s been stuffed into a bag, left on a damp floor, or exposed to harsh weather might look fine at first glance, but over time, it’ll degrade. And when it comes to safety, you don’t want to find out the hard way that your harness wasn’t as strong as you thought.
Stay Safe—Your Life Depends on It
A safety harness is more than just another piece of gear—it’s what stands between you and a serious fall. But it only works if you use it correctly.
A few extra minutes spent checking your harness, securing the right anchor, and making sure everything fits properly can make all the difference. Construction work is dangerous enough without adding unnecessary risks.
So take your safety seriously. You only get one life—protect it.
