Harness systems are a type of active fall protection system. Active fall systems are in place to keep injuries as minimal as possible when a fall has occurred or is occurring. These types of roof fall protection systems are less expensive than passive fall protection systems, but do not offer the practicality and overall safety. Passive fall protection systems include guardrail systems both permanent and collapsible. These fall prevention systems are recommended by OSHA for any site where a fall of more than 6 feet is possible.
Why does OSHA recommend passive protection systems over active prevention systems? The number one reason is that human error comes into play with active systems. Harnesses must be worn properly, training must be in place, and errors can be made when hooking up harness systems. Also, some rooftops do not have the proper concrete required for anchoring the harness systems; therefore they cannot be used at all sites. Passive systems can be used at any site, regardless of the type of materials being used and there is no margin for human errors. Once the guardrails are in place, they protect more than one worker at a time, whereas harnesses only protect the worker wearing the equipment. The passive systems can be used by all workers at once as well as those consumers that may be present at the site.
In May of 2010, a Mr. Larry Embley of Kansas City fell 24 feet from a building that was being remodeled into a new IBM data center. The construction company Design Metals for which he worked stated that he was removing the roof paneling when his lanyard had become tangled. After unhooking his fall arrest system from the anchor point, he went back to his task and accidentally stepped beyond the roofing area to where he fell through the insulation. It has been stated that the site was safety approved prior to the fall and at that time, the worker was seen wearing and using the fall arrest system. OSHA immediately began its inspection of the site and mentioned that a full investigation could possibly take up to six months. As the facts are presented, it does not appear that this accident occurred due to the employer’s negligence, but an unfortunate error. Had Mr. Embley untangled the cord and then refastened his harness, this accident would have never happened.
Safety experts have enough results to show that more accidents occur due to and concurrent with the use of active fall restraint systems. Not only are workers limited in movement and areas, but additional weight on their bodies can cause exhaustion faster as well as cost more to the employer. Training and education are required for all who will use the systems, adding overall cost to the harnesses along with replacement parts. Therefore the highest recommendation goes to the passive systems for overall value and efficiency through OSHA.
