Fall protection industry professionals know the vital importance of using the right equipment to protect workers in the field conducting dangerous tasks. A specific type of fall protection system that absorbs the shock of a fall is referred to as a safety lanyard. This crucial piece of equipment benefits workers who perform tasks at elevated heights of 6 feet or more above the ground.
Fall Protection Safety
When the dangers of a fall are not as severe at lower working heights, certain devices are utilized to keep workers safe, including belts, harnesses, deceleration devices, and lanyards. These devices are used mostly for positioning and restraining purposes, but are not designed specifically to protect workers operating at significantly elevated heights.
OSHA suggests the shock absorbing or safety lanyard as the device of choice for the worker requiring restraint and shock absorption to reduce fall distance. It is a well-tested device that has been proven to keep workers safe, especially when used in conjunction with a full body harness.
Even Force Distribution
Full body harnesses allow workers to stay in a position in which they can conduct tasks hands-free. A harness is necessary in order to help the worker remain in a stationary position while working. Using a shock absorbing lanyard with a harness allows force distribution that is more evenly spread throughout the body and minimizes the arresting forces imposed upon the body by a dangerous fall.
Design and Manufacture of Lanyards
Lanyards that are properly constructed are relatively short in length and constructed of rope, webbing, or stainless steel. They allow workers to stretch with comfort and also stay safe in the event of a fall. The worker’s activities are not interfered with as the lanyard relaxes and retracts. These safety lanyards have elasticized webbing that allows it to expand to an optimal length.
If a worker needs to perform a dangerous task at an elevated height over 6 feet above the ground, it is important for the worker to utilize a safety lanyard. This device used with a harness can help avoid a tragic outcome that could potentially involve the loss of human life.
