What is one major reason to use safety harnesses when working on scaffolding?

Using safety harnesses while working on scaffolding is primarily about preventing falls from heights. Scaffolding often involves working at significant elevations where the risk of a fall is substantial. A safety harness is designed to securely anchor a worker to a stable point, thus greatly reducing the likelihood of falling and sustaining serious injuries.

This is critical because falls from height can result in severe injuries or fatalities. The use of harnesses in conjunction with scaffolding ensures that, even in cases of slips or loss of balance, the worker remains secured and can be safely rescued if necessary. This practice aligns with safety regulations and best practices in construction and various industries involving elevated work surfaces.