Citation

Hsiao H, Bradtmiller B, Whitestone J. Ergonomics 2003; 46(12): 1233-1258.

Affiliation

Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. hhsiao@cdc.gov

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00140130310001593595

PMID

12933082

Abstract

Full-body fall-protection harnesses have been a

critical work-practice control technology for reducing the number of

fall-related injuries and fatalities among construction workers; yet, very

little is known about the fit of these harnesses to the population that wears

them. This study evaluated the fit and sizing efficacy of a harness system.

Seventy-two male and 26 female construction workers participated in the study.

Their body size-and-shape information was measured while they were suspended

(with a harness) and standing (with and without a harness), using a 3-D

full-body laser scanner and traditional anthropometric calipers. Fisher's

discriminant analysis results did not point to the need for a change in the

current sizing selection scheme by body height and weight for end users.

However, an integrated redesign of harness components is needed because 40% of

subjects did not pass fit-performance criteria in either the standing or

suspended condition. A multivariate accommodation analysis has identified 15

representative body models for the 'standard-size' harness design.

These models can serve as a useful population to test harness design until a

larger survey of the nation's construction workers can be done. Finally,

further developments in 3-D shape quantification methods are recommended to

improve the harness design process; the point-to-point anthropometric

information currently used seems to be insufficient for harness

design.