What is an essential feature of a safety harness?

A safety harness is primarily designed to help prevent falls from heights and ensures that a worker remains secured to an anchor point while engaged in activities like construction or maintenance work. The essential feature of a safety harness is its ability to distribute the forces exerted during a fall, thereby reducing the risk of injury. When properly worn, a safety harness can effectively hold the user in place and limit the distance of a fall, providing critical protection in environments where the risk of falling is significant.

While other features might be associated with harness usage—like enhancing climbing efficiency, adding weight, or affecting one's appearance—it is the fall prevention aspect that is crucial for safety in high-risk scenarios. Understanding this fundamental function is key for anyone working at heights or involved in safety training.