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How to Choose The Right Safety Harness

Alright, let’s get straight to it: if you work at heights, you need a safety harness. No ifs, ands, or buts. A fall from just a few meters can turn your day from “clocking out at 5” to picking up a serious injury.

But not all safety harnesses are created equal. Choosing the right one depends on your industry, your job, and the project you’re working on.


 

Construction Workers: You Need Durability & Mobility

 

Your situation: You’re climbing scaffolding, walking on steel beams, or hanging off the side of a building like Spider-Man.

What you need: A full-body harness with a dorsal D-ring for fall arrest, plus side D-rings for positioning. Look for padded shoulder straps because you’re wearing this thing all day.

Avoid this mistake: Don’t cheap out. That €20 harness from a random online store? It won’t feel so good when you’re dangling 10 stories up.

Applicable Regulations:
IrelandHealth & Safety Authority (HSA) Work at Height Regulations 2006
UKHealth & Safety Executive (HSE) Work at Height Regulations 2005


 

Roofers: Comfort is Key

Your situation: Sloped surfaces, unpredictable footing, and gravity working against you.

What you need: A lightweight harness with a front D-ring for rope access and an easy-adjust system. You want quick mobility because let’s be real—no one wants to wrestle with buckles on a hot roof.

Avoid this mistake: Don’t rely on a body belt alone. HSA & HSE don’t like it, and neither will your spine if you fall.

Applicable Regulations:
EN 361 (Full-body harness requirements)
EN 813 (Sit harness standards for rope access work)

Warehouse & Factory Workers: Fall Prevention Over Arrest

 

Your situation: Loading docks, elevated platforms, and machinery.

What you need: A restraint harness that prevents you from getting too close to the edge. You’re not rock climbing; you just need to stay put.

Avoid this mistake: Using a full fall-arrest system when it’s unnecessary. It’s overkill, uncomfortable, and slows you down.

Applicable Regulations:
Work at Height Regulations 2005 (UK) & 2006 (Ireland)
EN 358 (Work positioning systems)


 

Tower Climbers & Wind Energy Workers: The Heavy-Duty Setup

Your situation: You’re scaling telecom towers or wind turbines like a pro. It’s windy, high, and you need to be locked in.

What you need: A climbing harness with multiple D-rings, padded leg straps, and tool loops. Bonus points for quick-connect buckles. You want fast, secure, and comfortable.

Avoid this mistake: Using a basic harness meant for warehouse work. Tower climbing is extreme—your gear needs to be, too.

Regulations to follow:
EN 361 (Fall arrest)
EN 358 (Work positioning)
EN 365 (Inspection and maintenance of harnesses)


Oil & Gas Workers: Escape-Ready Gear

Your situation: Platforms, rigs, and confined spaces. You need gear that’s rugged, resistant to chemicals, and easy to get out of in an emergency.

What you need: A flame-resistant harness with an integrated retrieval system. If things go south, you need a quick extraction.

Avoid this mistake: Ignoring corrosion-resistant hardware. Standard steel buckles might rust in offshore conditions.

Applicable Regulations:
EN 361 & EN 365 (General harness safety & maintenance)
ATEX-rated gear (For explosive environments in oil & gas)


Final Thoughts: Pick Smart, Stay Safe

  • Know your job. Different industries = different harness needs.
  • Check for certifications. Look for HSA, HSE, and EN standards.
  • Comfort matters. If it’s a pain to wear, you won’t use it right.
  • Buy quality. Your life is worth more than a bargain-bin harness.

That’s it! Now go out there, gear up, and stay safe.


If you’re still unsure, feel free to give us a shout by clicking below or calling +353 1 5844661 and we’d be happy to help you find the right safety harness for you.