Citation

Hsiao H, Whitestone J, Taylor S, Godby M, Guan J. Hum. Factors 2009; 51(4): 497-518.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0018720809346320

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: This article describes the derivation of strap lengths and adjustments to fall-arrest harnesses and the development of harness size configurations. Background: Updated harness sizing configurations are needed to accommodate diverse populations in the current workforce. Method: Three-dimensional torso anthropometric data from 243 women and 258 men were incorporated into eight validated equations to develop a cost-effective harness sizing plan and to define strap lengths. Results: To met strap adjustable range goals and to accommodate 95% to 98% of the estimated population, two sizing options were identified. Conclusion: Study outcomes suggest system improvement with three to four sizes for women and three to four sizes for men, on which the adjustment ranges of the torso straps were within 15 to 17 cm and within 20 to 23 cm on thigh and hip straps. Application: This research provided harness sizing and cut-length information for harness design to reduce the risk of worker injury that results from poor fit or improper size selection.