Understanding D-Ring Placement: What Each Connection Point Is For

When it comes to safety harnesses, the D-ring is more than just a metal loop—it's your critical connection to fall protection systems. But not all D-rings serve the same purpose. Understanding where each D-ring is located and how it’s intended to be used can help prevent accidents, ensure compliance, and improve comfort while working at height.

In this guide, we’ll break down the four most common D-ring placements:

✅ Dorsal
✅ Side
✅ Sternal
✅ Shoulder

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Dorsal D-Ring (Back): Primary Fall Arrest Anchor

📍 Location: Center of the upper back, between the shoulder blades
🔸 Used For: Fall arrest, rescue, and vertical lifelines

The dorsal D-ring is the most common and important connection point. It's designed to stop a fall while distributing impact force across the body’s strongest areas. OSHA requires the dorsal D-ring to be used for fall arrest systems in most general and construction industries.

Key Point: Always ensure lanyards or SRLs connected to the dorsal ring stay above your D-ring height to limit free fall distance.

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Side D-Rings (Hips): Work Positioning

📍 Location: On either side of the hips
🔸 Used For: Positioning systems for hands-free work (e.g., on poles or vertical surfaces)

Side D-rings are not for fall arrest. Instead, they’re for work positioning—letting the worker lean into a harness while both hands remain free for tasks. These are common in tower climbing, utility, or maintenance work where secure positioning is needed.

Use with caution: Must always be backed up with a separate fall arrest system if working at height.

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Sternal D-Ring (Chest): Ladder Systems & Rescue

📍 Location: Center of the chest
🔸 Used For: Climbing systems, ladder fall arresters, controlled descents, and rescue

Sternal D-rings are often found on climbing-style harnesses, especially for vertical fixed ladder systems or rescue applications. This connection point keeps the user upright during a fall or controlled descent.

Note: Some climbing systems (per ANSI/OSHA) require a front D-ring for guided fall arrest rails or rope grabs.

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Shoulder D-Rings: Retrieval & Confined Space Entry

📍 Location: On top of each shoulder strap
🔸 Used For: Retrieval from confined spaces or vertical rescue situations

Shoulder D-rings are not for fall arrest or positioning. They're intended for retrieval systems, like when entering or exiting confined spaces. Rescue personnel use these rings to lift or lower a worker vertically without tipping their body.

Paired Use: Usually used in conjunction with a tripod and mechanical winch system.

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Each D-ring placement serves a distinct purpose, and using the wrong one in the wrong situation can result in injury or OSHA violations. Whether you’re scaling a tower, climbing a ladder, or entering a tank, choosing the correct attachment point on your harness is key to staying safe and compliant.

We offer a wide selection of ANSI-tested, OSHA-compliant safety harnesses designed for every job and connection point!

If you’re unsure what d-rings you need for your jobsite, consult with a qualified safety supervisor or reach out to our team here at KwikSafety!

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