“You have the right to remain silent.”
That’s an arrest. You’re going down. And when the handcuffs get slapped on, that’s restraint.
When working at height, arrest and restraint are far more positive, though not without hazards. Worker fall safety begins with understanding the critical similarities and differences between fall restraint and fall arrest.
Both are “active” fall protection measures. They involve the worker directly and require training to inspect and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE).
Fall prevention gear is similar for fall arrest and fall restraint, but they serve fundamentally different purposes. Selecting the wrong one can mean the difference between preventing a fall and surviving one.
The core principle is that it is always safer to prevent a worker from reaching a fall hazard than to arrest them after a fall has occurred.
Why fall restraint is the primary focus.
Fall restraint systems for workers at height are designed to prevent a worker from physically reaching the hazard, such as a roof edge or opening where a fall could occur. By using anchorage points, lanyards, and body wear, the system restrains the worker’s movement, keeping them in a safe zone. In functional terms, it means the tether is shorter than the distance between the anchorage and the hazard.
Fall restraint is a proactive, preventive measure—the worker cannot get into a position to fall over the edge or into an opening in the first place. Hence, fall restraint is often called “work restraint” or “travel restraint.” It is ideal for tasks where work can be planned and performed away from edges and other hazards. There should be a minimum clearance below, and a formal rescue plan is not typically required.
Fall arrest is a critical safety net.
Fall arrest does not prevent a fall. It is a reactive system that accepts a fall might happen and is instead designed to safely catch and arrest a worker in the event of a fall. (Yes, a safety net is literally a fall arrest system; however, there should be more to a worker’s fall protection plan.) Fall arrest is necessary when a worker needs to lean over a leading edge, work from a suspended platform, climb a tower, or perform other work-at-height tasks.
Fall arrest equipment includes anchorages and body gear, but the equipment is rigorously engineered to minimize the fall distance and limit fall forces. The worker should be prevented from striking the ground or an object below. Fall arrest offers more mobility than fall restraint, but it also requires a rescue plan to retrieve suspended workers promptly.
The similarities and discrete differences between fall arrest and restraint equipment.
Both types of systems require harnesses, lifelines, and anchor points, but the similarities end there.
A) Lifeline Systems
Fall Restraint
• Fixed-Length Lanyard: A simple, non-stretching webbing or cable with connectors at each end that is deliberately shorter than the distance to the hazard (e.g., roof edge, skylight).
• No Energy Absorber: It does not contain a shock-absorbing feature. Since no fall is expected, the sudden force of an arrest is not a design factor.
Fall Arrest
• Shock-absorbing Lanyard (SAL): The lanyard features a built-in energy absorber (e.g., shock pack). During a fall, the pack deploys (tearing stitches or elongating) to reduce the arresting force on the worker’s body and the anchor point.
• Self-retracting Lifeline (SRL): Another option is a device that locks instantly at the onset of a fall to limit free-fall distance and also reduce fall arrest forces. Since an SRL is designed to arrest a fall safely, its length can reach or exceed the hazard—provided there is clearance below to prevent the worker from striking a lower level or an object.
B) Harnesses
Fall Restraint
• Full-body Harness: Now required. (Body belts were once used for restraint, but are now often prohibited because they can cause severe internal injury during even a short fall or if a worker slips and jerks against the system.)
Fall Arrest
• Full-body Harness: Mandatory. It distributes arrest forces across the thighs, pelvis, chest, and shoulders.
C) Anchor Points
Fall Restraint
• Strength Requirement: Typically designed for static loads of 3,000 lbs. (13.3 kN).
• Location: Must be positioned so that when the lanyard is attached, the worker’s potential path prevents them from reaching the hazard.
Fall Arrest
• Strength Requirement: Per OSHA 1910.140(c)(13)(i) and (ii), anchors must support 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN) per attached worker and be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person for fall arrest.
• Location: Must be positioned to minimize free-fall distance and provide adequate clearance below. Typically, the anchorage is at or above the dorsal D-ring level.
Force on the Worker
Fall Restraint
• Forces are Minimal: The worker’s movement against the lanyard.
Fall Arrest
- Forces are Extreme: Even with an energy absorber, the body can experience a brief arrest force of up to 900 pounds (4 kN). Proper harness fit and attachment are critical to prevent injury.
Required Clearance
Fall Restraint
- Clearance: Focus is on the “restraint zone,” so clearance below the feet is not calculated.
Fall Arrest
• Clearance: Calculation of total clearance—what is below the worker to prevent impact—is critical and includes:
- Free-fall Distance
- Deceleration Distance
- Harness Stretch
- Worker Height
- Safety Factor.
Types of fall restraint and fall arrest systems.
Connects to lifelines at both ends—and in between for longer spans. Features galvanized and stainless steel components for strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Can accommodate multiple users.
Featuring a shuttle unit and stainless steel cable, these vertical lifelines can fit any ladder system for safe ascent and descent.
Designed for flat and low-sloped roofs, these counterweight, high-friction anchor points are easy to assemble and then disassemble and relocate as needed.
Designed for permanent installation on various roof types. Features various mounting options for new builds and retrofits.
Easy-to-install track-and-trolley system for working from overhead. Can be repositioned as needed. Minimizes fall distances and stops falls quickly.
Custom-engineered systems for permanent installation and longer spans. Can support from one to six workers, depending on requirements.
Choosing between fall restraint and fall arrest.
Modern fall protection lifelines provide options to be configured as either a fall restraint or a fall arrest system. The choice depends on a site-specific hazard analysis.
Work Area & Mobility: Can the task be completed without exposing the worker to the hazard?
If yes, use fall restraint.
Nature of Work: Does the task require a worker to lean over an edge, scale a tower, or work on a fragile surface or in a location where an edge cannot be avoided?
If yes, then fall arrest is mandatory.
Clearance & Rescue: Is there adequate vertical clearance and a viable rescue plan?
If yes, fall arrest can be used.
If no, use fall restraint.
See us for your safety solutions.
In practice, the best fall protection programs often employ a mix of fall restraint and fall arrest, including lifelines, anchorages, and rigid rail systems. By knowing when to use the most appropriate equipment, organizations can ensure comprehensive protection, safeguarding workers from both the fall and its consequences.
If you are responsible for fall protection at your facility, contact Lighthouse Safety for compliant safety solutions. We will discuss your concerns about regulations and what it will take for you to comply. Our services encompass everything you need, from design, engineering, and fabrication to installation, training, inspections, and other support.
