Page 1009 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 372

22 August 2013

Fitting Harness Correctly

Following a recent peer on peer audit where it was identified that an Xmo Strata crew member’s
harness was not correctly fitted, we are re-issuing this bulletin that was originally issued in 2009 as
bulletin 139.

This bulletin shows the potential consequences of an incorrectly fitted harness. All crews have
received training in the correct use of harnesses as part of the IPAF Harness course, so ensure you fit
them correctly, and check your colleague’s to ensure his is fitted correctly. If you have concerns
regarding the harness, contact your line manager.

What Happened

An employee was wearing his safety harness too loose. At the time of the fall, it took
some time to rescue him from his position. Due to the fact his harness was not tightly
fitted to the body, he was hanging in his leg supports which were squeezing his scrotum
resulting in his testicles being pushed out. It took a four hour surgery to close the
wound. Less visible on the pictures are two horizontal lacerations from the straps of the
harness. It was unknown at this time whether the damage is irreversible, but you can
image the pain he was going through while hanging in his “too loose” fitting harness.