How to Properly Inspect and Wear a Safety Harness

When working at height, safety harnesses are a critical part of fall protection—but they’re often overlooked or misused. Workers may grow complacent or rush to get started, skipping essential inspections or wearing their harnesses incorrectly. These small missteps can have big consequences. According to industry experts, proper use and inspection of fall protection equipment can prevent injuries and even save lives. To help your team stay safe, Martin’s Safety Team has outlined these steps to ensure safety harnesses are inspected and worn correctly:

Start with an Inspection

Before you even think about climbing, take a moment to inspect your safety harness.
Here’s how:

1. Shake It Out: Hold the harness by the back D-ring and shake it so the straps fall naturally. Ensure all chest and leg buckles are unfastened before continuing.
2. Check for Damage: Look closely for worn, frayed, or missing threads. Inspect the webbing for burns, cuts, or embedded debris. Damaged materials compromise safety.
3. Examine Metal Components: Inspect D-rings, strap fasteners, and grommets for cracks, deformities, or warping. These components are the backbone of your harness’s structural integrity.
4. Inspect the Fall Arrest Indicator: If the indicator has been deployed, remove the harness from service immediately. This signal means the harness may no longer provide adequate protection.

Wear It Right

Even a flawless harness won’t protect you if it’s not worn correctly.
Follow these steps to make sure your harness fits and functions as intended:

1. Position the D-Ring: Slip the harness on and ensure the D-ring rests between your shoulder blades. This position is essential for proper support during a fall.
2. Secure the Leg Straps: Pull up each leg strap and fasten the buckles. Adjust them to be snug but not restrictive—you should be able to slide two fingers beneath them.
3. Eliminate Slack: Adjust the side straps to remove any excess slack. The harness should fit closely while still allowing a full range of motion.
4. Fasten the Chest Strap: Snap the chest strap in place and tighten it. Tucked-in loose ends should stay secure within strap retainers to avoid snagging or interference.

Don’t Skip Routine Checks

Daily inspections and proper adjustments are small habits that make a big difference. Ignoring these steps can lead to severe injuries or worse. Safety at height requires consistent vigilance. At Martin Supply, our safety professionals are here to help. Whether you need training on fall protection equipment or a safety assessment of your site, we’ve got you covered.

Contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116 to schedule an assessment or learn more about Martin Safety Solutions.