As a body holding device, a full body harness is designed to keep its user suspended in an upright position after a fall has happened while absorbing the impact of the fall over a wide area of the body. Its goal is to prevent suspension-related injuries. Formerly used for fall safety, body belts were banned in 1998 when they were found to contribute to internal injuries.

If an individual is going to be working at a height of more than 6 feet from the ground, a fall arrest device must be installed. The device must provide for a deceleration distance of 3.5 feet and prohibit a free fall of more than 6 feet. A fall protection system has a maximum arresting force of 1,800 pounds. A fall protection system’s load capacity should be at least double that needed to arrest a fall from 6 feet. The harness, like any other piece of safety gear, should be checked for wear and tear and damage on a regular basis, and should not be used if either is present. Once a harness has been used to prevent a fall, it should not be used again until it has been inspected by an expert.