Fall arrest and fall restraint systems sound similar, but they work differently. A fall arrest system allows a fall to occur, but the technology is designed to minimize the chances of a person making contact with another surface. In other words, these systems shorten the distance of the fall and catch the worker in suspension, rather than preventing it.

On the other hand, a fall restraint system utilizes a tie-off system that prevents workers from reaching an edge, falling over an edge, or sliding off a surface entirely.

The right system for you will depend on factors like your location, the task at hand, and how much space you have available.

A personal fall arrest system (PFAS) includes an anchor, bodywear, and connectors. When worn properly, the main components of the system make it safe to complete tasks at working heights. A deceleration device is an optional fourth component.

Learn more about the function of each piece of a PFAS below:

• Anchor: The piece a worker attaches to while working at elevation.
• Bodywear: The full-body harness portion of a PFAS.
• Connectors: Components that bridge the gap between the user harness and the anchorage point.
• Deceleration devices: A piece of hardware that allows the user to be lowered safely post-fall.

The main components of a fall arrest system are referred to as the ABCDs of fall protection because each part starts with one of the first four letters of the alphabet. These include the anchor, body harness, connectors, and a deceleration device.

Facility managers can follow a series of steps to protect employees from falls. The hierarchy of fall protection is as follows:

1. Eliminating the hazard: See what steps your facility can take to minimize falling hazards. Anything you can do to limit the time workers are at heights is helpful. For example, crews can do some preparation work from the ground, like building walls with cranes or putting the equipment together before installing it at elevation.
2. Controlling the perimeter: Install guardrails and hole covers on a jobsite to reduce the chances of falls.
3. Restraining the fall: Consider using harnesses and tie-off points to keep employees a set distance away from a roof’s edge. The closest you should allow someone to an edge is 6′.
4. Arresting the fall: Some jobs leave little choice but to work near a fall hazard. Ensure fall arrest equipment is in place and employees have the training to use it properly.
5. Performing administrative control: Be sure to alert others of fall hazards. Steps here might include drawing warning lines or making controlled access zones for select personnel.

In general industries, fall protection equipment is required when workers are elevated a total of 4′ or higher. That said, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific guidelines for fall protection based on the environment employees work in. For example, those operating in the construction field must have fall protection equipment when working heights exceeding 6′.

Facility managers can follow a series of steps to protect employees from falls. The hierarchy of fall protection is as follows:

1. Eliminating the hazard: See what steps your facility can take to minimize falling hazards. Anything you can do to limit the time workers are at heights is helpful. For example, crews can do some preparation work from the ground, like building walls with cranes or putting the equipment together before installing it at elevation.
2. Controlling the perimeter: Install guardrails and hole covers on a jobsite to reduce the chances of falls.
3. Restraining the fall: Consider using harnesses and tie-off points to keep employees a set distance away from a roof’s edge. The closest you should allow someone to an edge is 6′.
4. Arresting the fall: Some jobs leave little choice but to work near a fall hazard. Ensure fall arrest equipment is in place and employees have the training to use it properly.
5. Performing administrative control: Be sure to alert others of fall hazards. Steps here might include drawing warning lines or making controlled access zones for select personnel.

You can take four approaches to prevent falls on the job site:

• Fall elimination: Managers assess the risks associated with a job site and remove them. The action might include lowering equipment so workers can complete jobs closer to the ground.
• Fall prevention: Workers utilize active or passive systems in addition to working near guardrails.
• Fall arrest: Individuals use specific equipment to prevent themselves from hitting a lower surface or the ground after a fall.
• Fall restraint: Lanyards and lifelines set at specific lengths make it impossible for workers to fall.

The ideal fall protection gear for you depends on your field. The first step to providing a safe working environment to your employees is to make a thorough and honest assessment of the fall hazards present in your workplace.

Team leaders are responsible for encouraging the use of safety gear. Remind your crew that this equipment is intended to save lives and prevent injuries. You should also ensure your workers are aware of the repercussions of not wearing safety gear, which might include fines for your company or dismissal from a site.