Fall Protection Harness D-Rings

Sternal D-Ring

Probably the most noticeable D-ring to the harness wearer is the one on the center of the chest. Called the sternal D-ring, this attachment point is primarily used for fixed-ladder climbing fall protection systems. New OSHA regulations that began to phase into effect in November 2018 require a ladder safety or personal fall protection system on all new fixed ladders of 24 feet or taller. Starting in 2020, all new fixed ladders and replacement ladder/ladder sections must have a ladder safety or personal fall protection system and all existing ladders must be equipped with a cage, well, ladder safety system, or personal fall arrest system on fixed ladders that do not have any fall protection, according to OSHA.

Headlining the changes in OSHA's latest update is a purposeful shift away from ladder cages in favor of ladder safety or personal fall protection systems. These ladder-based fall protection systems typically attach to the sternal D-ring, allowing the workers to comfortably scale the ladder while remaining protected from a fall.

Like the dorsal D-ring, the sternal D-ring should fall squarely in the center of the chest, at the sternum or breastbone. This positioning ensures the harness is able to distribute the worker's weight evenly and safely in the event of a fall. Wearing an ill-fitting harness that sits too high or too low can lead to secondary injuries if the fall-arrest system is engaged.