Abstract: A harness assembly for use with a patient transport apparatus is provided. The harness assembly includes a strap for securing a patient to the patient transport apparatus. The harness assembly also includes a guard configured for removable attachment to the strap, the guard including a base, a keeper, and a retainer. The base defines a channel arranged to receive the strap. The keeper is arranged for movement relative to the base between a released position to permit movement of the strap along the channel of the base, and a secured position to restrict movement of the strap out of the channel. The retainer is coupled between the base and the keeper and is operable between an engaged configuration to retain the keeper in the secured position, and a disengaged configuration to permit movement of the keeper between the secured position and the released position.