Fall Protection Lanyard Safety: Selection and Care
The Problem
Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, and improper use or care of fall protection equipment is a significant contributing factor. A damaged or unsuitable lanyard can fail in critical moments, putting your life at risk. Today, we’ll focus on the selection, safe use, and care of fall protection lanyards to ensure they function as intended and keep you safe.
Identify the Hazards
- Material Compatibility: Using the wrong type of lanyard for specific tasks (e.g. synthetic lanyards near heat sources or sharp edges).
- Improper Use: Tying knots in lanyards, misusing the shock-absorbing end, or allowing loose ends to create tripping hazards.
- Neglected Maintenance: Failing to inspect or properly store lanyards, leading to undetected damage or degradation.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Selecting the Right Lanyard:
- Material Selection:
- Use rope or synthetic lanyards for general use.
- Avoid synthetic lanyards near sharp edges or hot work areas (e.g. welding).
- Use wire lanyards for sharp-edge protection, but never near live electrical sources.
- Use rope or synthetic lanyards for general use.
- Length Matters:
- Choose the shortest suitable lanyard to minimise fall distance and reduce forces in the event of a fall.
- Choose the shortest suitable lanyard to minimise fall distance and reduce forces in the event of a fall.
Using Lanyards Safely:
- Shock-Absorbing Lanyards:
- Always attach the energy absorber end to the dorsal D-ring on your harness.
- Always attach the energy absorber end to the dorsal D-ring on your harness.
- Managing Loose Ends:
- Secure excess lanyard length to prevent tripping or snagging.
- Secure excess lanyard length to prevent tripping or snagging.
- Avoid Knots:
- Never tie knots in lanyards—this weakens the material and compromises safety.
- Never tie knots in lanyards—this weakens the material and compromises safety.
Caring for Your Lanyard:
- Storage:
- Store lanyards in a clean, dry location, away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and heat sources.
- Store lanyards in a clean, dry location, away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and heat sources.
- Inspection:
- Before each use, inspect for cuts, fraying, broken stitching, corrosion, or deformities in metal fittings.
- Immediately remove damaged lanyards from service.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A worker used a synthetic lanyard in an area where welding was taking place. Hot slag weakened the lanyard, which failed during a fall. Luckily, a backup system prevented serious injury, but this could have been avoided by using the correct type of lanyard for the environment.
Employee Responsibilities
- Choose the correct type of lanyard for the task and environment.
- Inspect lanyards before every use.
- Use lanyards as intended—never tie knots or use damaged gear.
- Store lanyards properly to avoid premature degradation.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide certified fall arrest systems and lanyards suitable for all working conditions.
- Train workers in selection, use, and care of fall protection gear.
- Remove and replace damaged or expired lanyards promptly.
- Ensure a Competent Person performs regular inspections of fall protection systems.
Discussion & Questions
- “Have you ever encountered a damaged lanyard on-site? How was it dealt with?”
- “What do you look for during a lanyard inspection?”
Encourage workers to share their knowledge and experiences to reinforce correct practices.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to inspecting lanyards before every use and selecting the right equipment for each job. Starting today, report any damage, and store gear correctly to ensure long-term safety and performance.
Wrap-Up
Lanyards are essential parts of fall arrest systems, and their failure can result in life-altering injuries. Selecting the correct type, inspecting before use, and caring for them properly can prevent accidents. Let’s stay vigilant and prioritise safety.
Standards Overview
Under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, PCBU’s must ensure that fall arrest equipment is suitable for the task and maintained in good condition.
WorkSafe NZ requires:
- Fall arrest gear to be regularly inspected by a Competent Person.
- Workers to be trained in the use of personal fall protection systems.
- All equipment to be used per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Disclaimer
These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.
The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.
It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.
The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
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