Page 73 - OHS, June 2020

The Weight Distribution System (WDS) Solution
In 2014, the concept of relocating fall protection equipment weight away from the “sore” body parts surfaced. At that point, it became about tackling the task of moving the weight from the dorsal D- ring area to the strongest part of the body: the hips. But how?
There was an idea that formed that this could be done by adding a weight distribution system (WDS) to transfer the weight from the dorsal D-ring area to the hips. After engineering mock-ups, several field studies to gather end user feedback and collaboration with dif- ferent groups, the concept was fine tuned. A small, inconspicuous bar running from the D-ring to padded waist belt proved to radi- cally enhance workers’ experiences.
Testimonials from end users told us the weight was off the shoulders of the worker, and the fatigue they had experienced was helping to be negated. Most of the personal fall arrestor (SRL) weight was moved to the hips, where strong leg muscles could hardly discern a few extra pounds. Workers performing over- head work noticed an unexpected improvement as well. The WDS ensured the weight of their tool belt didn’t get transferred to the deltoid (shoulder) region each and every time they did overhead work. The WDS has since helped pay dividends to mitigate ergo- nomic nuisances and strain.
Finally, training end users on the risks they face and how to use their PPE properly to avoid accidents and injuries is widely ac- cepted as an important key to modifying behavior and building a
strong safety culture. Safety managers’ need to encourage users to embrace the value of training as part of optimal safety culture on a work or job site. Improving comfort and reducing fatigue like the WDS has the ability to help build consensus for a safety culture where working safe is not only accepted by employees but also driven by them.
In fact, according to Ryan Hasse, who is currently a general foreman with Miron Construction but who used to be a connec- tor, reported that after using a harness with this weight distribution system that he “...felt that the weight was not always on my shoul- ders. [It] distributed the weight off of my lower back. [I] felt normal at the end of the day.”
“Feeling normal at the end of the day,” is the minimum expecta- tion of any PPE. Comfort is important, especially if you are wear- ing a harness with other fall protection equipment and tools on it. A weight distribution system can make a significant difference for those working at height. So, the next time you have to evaluate your harness needs, make sure to take into account safety, comfort, ergonomics and the weight workers feel when trying to complete their work from height.
Jason Giefer is a 3M Personal Safety Division senior technical service engineer for fall protection. With over 20 years of fall protection PPE experience, he is committed to helping develop products and solutions to help workers safely return home every day to their loved ones.
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