Use of PPE - need for checks before use

In an incident involving the fall of the person from height, investigation of the incident revealed damaged safety belt. Though the person used a safety belt, when he slipped and fell, the belt got broken near the hook. The belt got damaged from weld sparks. 

In another incident of fall of a person, the person did not buckle the belt properly. 

These examples stress the need for use of proper PPE, checking for its integrity before use, training the personnel for safe use, and supervision.

Death of crane operator

In a reported incident, a crane operator fell out on the road, after hitting another crane moving ahead on the road. The crane toppled and the person died under it.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/crane-driver-dies-in-freak-accident/articleshow/81280935.cms

It appears that the operator did not wear any seat belt. Safety requirements specify the use of a seatbelt to prevent such falls. It is often seen that operators of material handling equipment like cranes, forklift trucks, etc do not wear seat belts even though provided by the manufacturers. Some operators jump out sensing some trouble to protect themselves, but in the process, get injured from the crane/forklift or the load lifted falling on them. A seatbelt or restrain device keeps the person within the secured cabin.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2019/jul/03/operator-dies-as-crane-overturns-in-hyderabad-1998767.html

Managers should ensure the use of seat belts to avoid such (fatal) incidents by education, supervision, and enforcement.

http://aluminiumplantsafety.blogspot.com/2019/11/crane-operator-dies-in-freak-accident.html

Work at height - Two Decisions and Two Outcomes

Picture This! Two Decisions and Two Outcomes » SafetySmart

LINK
The above link shows necessity of using safety belt while working at height.

There are no exceptions. Follow the Rules, even if it is an emergency

In an incident, a coworker was assisting a crane operator in lifting the injured, by standing on a steel structure without a safety belt or any other protective gear. The employer was charged by OSHA for the violation.
This is an emergency case. But, many times, showing some reason or the other as emergency or important, people wilfully disobey the rules trading for short term gains. Even the experienced and senior colleagues preach such practices citing the urgent requirement. Funnily, the activities which were not attended for weeks will become suddenly urgent on the day they propose to take up and do not follow any safety procedure because they do not have time at that moment.
The example in the link below will serve as an eye opener to those who take chance by not following safety.
Lessons from a California Case

LINK