A system and method for a locking mechanism that includes an ability to indicate proper engagement via a signal cable coupled through a harness. The locking mechanism may include electronic components including three magnetic actuators and corresponding electronic switches that signal change of state. Locking tabs and a leading edge of the insert respectively include the three magnetic actuators. The electronic switches, which may be magnetically activated reed switches, signal status change to an external controller and, optionally, an external computer. Further, status signals and power signals may be routed through a steel cable or woven nylon harness that coupled the locking mechanism to a local anchor point. Change of status notification may be important on critical safety worksites where lack of mechanical and electronic connection can be life threatening.

Personnel working at elevated positions use safety lines to prevent falls. Equipment being used in proximity to the personnel may interfere with the safety lines presenting a potential hazard. A fall protection monitor provides an automated and wireless sensor system for avoiding interactions between equipment and safety lines. The fall-protection monitor includes a first sensor for monitoring whether a safety line is in operation. A second sensor monitors a location of a moveable device being used in the vicinity of the safety line. A controller determines the location of the moveable device and whether the safety line is in operation. The controller prevents movement of the moveable device within a predetermined distance from an operational safety line.

A cushioning apparatus is described for use with a safety harness used to aid in back, neck, and head support. The cushioning apparatus can easily be added to most safety harnesses in use today. The cushioning apparatus comprises a back (and perhaps shoulder) support pad, used in combination with an adjustable head and neck rest. The head rest may also be made to pivot forward and back. The neck rest is preferably attached to the back support pad via a support plate disposed on a rear surface of the back support pad.

A fall protection device comprises an energy harvester to generate electrical power in response to movement of an elongate member and a circuit powered by the generated electrical power; an impact indicator connected to an elongate member, a controller connected to the elongate member and/or the impact indicator to generate a message in response to impact, and a transmitter connected to the controller to transmit the message; and/or a sensor connected to an elongate member and a controller connected to the sensor to generate a message in response to movement of the elongate member. The fall protection device could include a generator to generate electrical power, an energy storage capacitor to store the generated electrical power, a controller powered by the energy storage capacitor to generate a message in response to action, and a wireless transmitter powered by the energy storage capacitor to transmit the message.

Techniques are described for monitoring and controlling fall protection equipment. For example, the techniques of this disclosure may be used to monitor the connection status of fall protection equipment, e.g., whether or not the fall protection equipment is connected to a support structure. The techniques of this disclosure may also be used to control the operation of the fall protection equipment based on the connection status.

An apparatus and method for providing a pelvic binder in operative combination with a climbing harness. Thigh loop strap portions of a climbing harness system are detachable from the harness belt portion for separate alternative use as an emergency pelvic binder for a patient suspected or diagnosed with pelvic fracture. The thigh strap portions are provided with features and components to facilitate its use as a functional pelvic binder, while nevertheless allowing it to serve as a component of a climbing harness in alternative, ordinary, use.

A fall-protection system including a harness and a fall-protection apparatus with a lifeline bearing a connector configured to be connected to the harness; and, a fall-protection monitoring system with a base unit and with at least one sensor module configured to sense a condition of the connector and to communicate a signal indicative of the condition of the connector to the base unit.

In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for verifying safety compliance of a worker positioned on a building structure utilize a motion detector module (MDM) for attaching to a wearable safety harness, where the harness has a lifeline attachment feature for connecting the safety harness to a lifeline anchored to the building structure. The MDM may include a motion sensor for detecting movement of the worker and processing circuitry for detecting, from signals provided by the motion sensor, significant movement indicative of the safety harness being properly worn by the worker and/or proper attachment of the safety harness to a lifeline, and translating the significant movements into compliance information. The MDM may include a proximate sensor for detecting contact between the attachment feature on the harness and a fastener on the lifeline for verifying the compliance information.

A trauma relief strap assembly has a relief strap with a first strap and a second strap connected to the first strap at two or more connection points along a major longitudinal length of the relief strap. The relief strap further has one or more steps formed as a closed loop between two adjacent connection points. Each step has a longitudinal portion extending in a direction of the major longitudinal length of the relief strap and defined by one of the first strap and the second strap, and a lateral portion protruding laterally from the longitudinal portion and defined by the other of the first strap and the second strap.

A quick release restraint system comprising a restraint body that mates a harness fitting with a moveable lockpin. The lockpin is held in a closed position by a return member and can be moved to an open position when a sleeve and/or a ripcord is moved away from the lockpin. The sleeve surrounds the restraint body and mates with an internal lockpin body that may also be attached to the ripcord. The ripcord and/or sleeve engage the lockpin body in a single direction to generate a pulling force that counteracts a biasing force of the return member.