Protecting Lives at Height: Why Fall Arrest Systems Are Essential for Workplace Safety

Working at height remains one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries in the workplace. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height accounted for a quarter of all workplace deaths in recent years. Installing and maintaining fall arrest systems isn’t just a matter of compliance - it’s a matter of saving lives.

Why Installing a Fall Arrest System Is Non-Negotiable

Fall arrest systems are designed to protect workers from the consequences of an accidental fall. Whether on a construction site, performing routine maintenance, or accessing rooftop equipment, any environment where a worker could fall from a height must be assessed and properly protected.

A well-designed fall arrest system:

• Prevents serious injury or death by halting a fall in progress.
• Demonstrates compliance with UK legislation such as the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
• Protects employers from liability and reputational damage.
• Promotes a culture of safety, encouraging workers to follow safe practices and use provided PPE correctly.

Understanding the Types of Fall Protection Systems

Choosing the right fall protection system is critical and should be based on a thorough risk assessment of the working environment. As outlined by experts like Heyn Engineering, the most commonly used systems fall into three categories:

1. Fall Restraint Systems

These systems prevent workers from reaching areas where a fall could occur. They are ideal for scenarios where the edge is visible and accessible. Fall restraint is typically seen as a safer option than fall arrest, as it eliminates the risk of falling altogether.

Key components: harness, lanyard of fixed length, and fixed anchor point.

2. Fall Arrest Systems

Designed to stop a fall that has already begun, fall arrest systems allow greater freedom of movement but require careful planning, as they must safely arrest the fall and minimise the impact force on the user.

Key components: full-body harness, energy-absorbing lanyard or SRL (Self-Retracting Lifeline), and secure anchor.

3. Collective Fall Protection (e.g., Guardrails)

These systems protect all workers without the need for PPE or training and should always be considered first in any hierarchy of control.

Key Considerations When Selecting a System

Heyn Engineering recommends evaluating the following:

1. Environment – indoor/outdoor, exposure to corrosive elements, temperature fluctuations.
2. Frequency of use – occasional vs. daily.
3. Access points – vertical, horizontal, inclined surfaces.
4. Rescue plan – how quickly and safely a worker can be retrieved in the event of a fall.

Legal Obligations Under the Work at Height Regulations

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers have a duty to:

• Ensure all work at height is properly planned and supervised.
• Use the right type of equipment for the job.
• Provide training and instructions to workers.
• Ensure that fall protection equipment is inspected regularly and maintained to a high standard.

Regular Inspection: The Silent Hero of Fall Protection

Even the best-designed system is only effective if it’s functioning correctly. According to Heyn Engineering, fall protection systems should undergo:

1. Pre-use checks by the user
2. Formal inspections at regular intervals—typically every 6 to 12 months depending on the environment and manufacturer recommendations.
3. Thorough testing of anchor points, lifelines, and harnesses by qualified professionals.

Neglecting these inspections can result in catastrophic failure, even if the system appears intact.

In Summary

Installing a fall arrest system is not just about ticking a regulatory box—it’s about ensuring that every worker goes home safely at the end of the day. With options ranging from restraint and arrest to collective protection systems, the correct choice should be based on risk, frequency, and working conditions. And crucially, no system is complete without a robust schedule of maintenance and inspection.

Partnering with a trusted provider like Heyn Engineering, who offer bespoke fall protection and access solutions, ensures that your system is both compliant and tailored to your unique environment.