Fall Arrest vs Fall Restraint

Fall Arrest vs Fall Restraint?

Working at heights can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. Falls from elevated surfaces are one of the major causes of workplace injuries and fatalities across different industries. As such, employers have an obligation to ensure the safety of their workers by implementing effective fall protection systems. Two commonly used solutions for protecting against falls are fall arrest and fall restraint systems.?

What is Fall Arrest??

Fall arrest is a protective system that activates in the event of a fall. It involves using special equipment such as safety harnesses, lanyards and anchor points to stop a person from hitting the ground or any other lower level. The system works by absorbing the energy generated during a fall, thus minimizing injuries.?

Fall arrest systems are commonly used in construction sites, schools, hospitals and other places where workers operate at heights.?

It's important to note that while fall arrest systems can prevent injuries resulting from falls, they don't necessarily prevent falls from occurring in the first place. As such, it's essential to use additional measures like guardrails and covers to minimize risks of falling altogether.?

Fall Arrest is an effective solution for reducing the risk of injuries due to falls from height but should always be accompanied with extra preventative measures for maximum safety on site.?

What is Fall Restraint??

Fall restraint is another type of fall protection system that aims to prevent workers from falling. Unlike fall arrest, which involves stopping a person's fall after it has started, fall restraint prevents the worker from reaching the edge and falling in the first place.?

A typical system used for fall restraint includes an anchorage point, a lanyard or lifeline, and body harness. The anchor point is usually fixed onto a strong structure capable of withstanding the weight of the individual using it. The lanyard or lifeline connects to both the body harness and anchor point while allowing movement within a designated work area.?

Understanding how each type of fall protection works can help you determine which one best suits your needs when working at heights.?

The Pros and Cons of each?

Fall Arrest

One of the major benefits of fall arrest systems is that they allow workers to move freely while still being protected from falls. This can increase productivity. However, the downside of this system is that it requires a certain amount of clearance below the worker in case they do fall. In addition, if a fall does occur, there may be some risk of injury due to the impact or sudden stop, along with the effects of suspension trauma.

?Fall Restraint

On the other hand, fall restraint systems prevent workers from getting too close to an edge where they could potentially fall by restricting their movement. The major benefit of this system is that it eliminates any chance of free-fall, which reduces the risk of injury significantly. However, because these systems restrict movement, they can sometimes make work more difficult or slower than with a fall arrest system.?

Ultimately, choosing between these two methods comes down to evaluating the specific needs and risks associated with each job site. It's important to consider all factors when determining which method will provide maximum safety for your team while also allowing them to work efficiently.

?Tips to Stay Safe While Working at Heights?

Working at heights can be a dangerous task, but by taking the proper precautions, you can make sure that you stay safe while on the job. Here are some tips to help ensure your safety when working at heights.?

Firstly, always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Make sure that your PPE is properly fitted and in good condition before starting any work.?

Secondly, always inspect the area where you will be working before beginning any tasks. Check for potential hazards such as weak surfaces or unstable structures that could cause injury if not properly secured.?

Thirdly, use proper tools and equipment for the task at hand. Never try to improvise or substitute tools that are not designed for working at heights.?

Fourthly, communicate effectively with your team members during work activities to avoid confusion about what needs to be done next.?

To see where you can improve the working at heights at your workplace, reach out to the CRS team on 1300 171 265.