Fall Protection 101 | Your Guide to Fall Arrest Equipment & Safety
Working at height isn’t just another risk on the job - it’s one of the biggest dangers faced across the construction, maintenance, and industrial sectors. The reality is, most accidents can be prevented with the right fall protection systems, reliable fall arrest equipment, and consistent fall protection training.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height were the leading cause of workplace fatalities in Great Britain in 2024/25, accounting for 35 deaths - over a quarter of all workplace incidents. It’s a stark reminder that workplace fall protection isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a duty of care. Every worker deserves to go home safe at the end of the day.
At ULS Lifting, we’ve seen what happens when the right systems aren’t in place - missing harnesses, worn-out lanyards, no rescue plan. That’s why we’re committed to making height safety equipment easy to understand, simple to use, and fully compliant.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: what fall protection actually means, at what height fall protection is required, and how to put on a fall protection harness correctly. We’ll also highlight the common mistakes we see on site and how to avoid them. Whether you’re managing a team or strapping in yourself, this guide will help you stay safe, compliant, and confident at height.
What Is Fall Protection?
Let’s start with the basics - what do we actually mean by fall protection?
It’s the systems, equipment, and training that keep workers safe when they’re exposed to height risks. That means everything from fall prevention barriers on a roof edge to the fall arrest systems and harnesses that stop a worker mid-fall.
A complete fall protection system usually includes three layers of defence:
- Fall prevention systems – like guardrails and mobile roof anchors that eliminate the risk of falling altogether.
- Fall restraint systems – to limit movement and keep you within a safe working zone.
- Fall arrest systems – using fall arrest equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines to safely stop a fall in progress.
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers have a legal duty to take “suitable and sufficient” measures to prevent injury from falls. It’s not just about having the right gear - it’s about planning work properly, training people correctly, and inspecting all height safety equipment before every use.
Failure to comply carries serious consequences. The HSE continues to prosecute businesses for poor workplace fall protection, and fines can run into the millions. Beyond the legal risk, the human impact - on workers, families, and entire teams - is far greater.
There’s no single “legal height” written into law, but the rule of thumb is simple:
- Use fall protection whenever a fall could cause injury.
- In construction and industrial environments, protection is generally expected at or above two metres.
If you’re unsure at what height fall protection is required, check the official HSE guidance or get in touch with ULS Lifting. Our team can help assess your site and recommend the right height safety systems for your project.
Safety Standards in Practice:
- Always assess the risk before starting work - prevention is better than arrest.
- Use certified fall protection harnesses, anchors, and lanyards that meet EN or BS standards.
- Inspect and maintain all fall protection systems regularly, recording every check.
- Provide proper fall protection training for everyone working at height.
- Never underestimate short falls - most serious injuries occur from falls under two metres.
How to Put on a Fall Protection Harness
Wearing a fall protection harness correctly is essential for the safety of yourself and your crew - failing to do so can quite literally be the difference between life and death. When it comes to using a fall protection harness, incorrect fit is one of the most common mistakes workers make, but it’s an easy mistake to rectify in just a few steps:
1. Inspect first: Check the webbing, buckles, and D-ring for damage.
2. Hold by the D-ring: This allows the harness to hang naturally.
3. Step into the leg loops: One leg at a time.
4. Pull on the shoulder straps: Make sure they sit flat against your body.
5. Tighten all buckles: Snug but comfortable.
6. Final check: The D-ring should sit high on your back between the shoulder blades.
The ABCDE of Fall Protection
Creating a safe work environment is about using the right equipment and the right knowledge. The ABCDE model provides a simple way to remember the five key components of a complete fall arrest system.
A - Anchors
Your anchor point is the secure connection for your system. Options include mobile roof anchors for temporary jobs and weighted anchor systems for longer-term applications.
B - Body Support
The fall protection harness is what you wear to distribute the force of a fall. Choosing the correct type for the task, such as a scaffolder’s harness or a MEWP restraint kit, is critical for both comfort and safety.
C - Connectors
Connectors link your harness to the anchor and include lanyards, carabiners, and other fall arrest equipment. For example, a FallArrest 2m Webbing Fall Arrest Block provides both mobility and security when moving around a worksite.
D - Descent & Rescue
Every fall protection plan must include a rescue element. Equipment such as a confined space tripod kit and other descent devices ensures a fallen worker can be safely recovered, which is a legal requirement under UK regulations.
E - Education
Fall protection training is non-negotiable. It covers how to put on a harness, use equipment correctly, and respond in an emergency. Education is what ties all the other components together and makes them effective.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Fall Protection
Even with the right fall protection systems in place, simple mistakes can put workers at serious risk. The truth is, most accidents happen not because the equipment failed - but because it wasn’t used properly. Here are some of the most common issues we see on site and how to avoid them.
Using the Wrong Harness for the Job: Not all fall protection harnesses are created equal. A harness designed for fall arrest may not be suitable for positioning, and vice versa. Always ensure the equipment is rated and designed for the specific task at hand.
Incorrectly Fitted Fall Protection Harnesses: An improperly fitted harness is a huge liability. If it's too loose, the worker could slip out. If it's too tight, it can restrict blood flow, especially after a fall. Take the time to ensure the harness is snug, with all straps properly adjusted and buckles secured.
Skipping Pre-Use Inspections: A quick visual check before every use can prevent a disaster. Workers should inspect their equipment for frayed webbing, broken stitches, rust, or other signs of damage. If an item looks questionable, it should be removed from service immediately.
Failing to Plan for Emergency Rescue: A fall arrest system's job is to stop a fall, but what happens after? Workers suspended in a harness can suffer from suspension trauma if they are not rescued promptly. A rescue plan must be in place before the job begins, and all workers must know how to execute it.
Avoiding these critical errors requires three key things: proper fall protection training, routine equipment inspections, and careful planning to choose the right equipment for the specific task. By addressing these points, you can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries.
Protecting Your Team with Fall Protection Solutions
Effective workplace fall protection is about more than ticking boxes for compliance; it’s about keeping workers safe with the right fall protection systems and height safety equipment to prevent life-changing accidents. At ULS Lifting, we provide everything from safety harnesses to anchors and rescue tripod kits, ensuring you have a complete fall arrest system tailored to your workplace.
Our team is here to help you make the right choice. For expert advice or to find the best fall protection solution for your needs, contact us today on 01384 986 026 or email sales@ulslifting.com.
Explore our comprehensive range of fall protection harnesses, specifically designed for use with MEWPs, scaffolding, and general site safety.
At ULS Lifting, we stock a full range of Fall Arrest Global safety equipment, including safety harnesses, anchors, lanyards, helmets and rescue kits, helping you build a complete fall protection solution.
Fall Protection FAQs
At what height is fall protection required in the UK?
Fall protection is required under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 whenever there is a risk of falling and suffering injury. While there is no single fixed height in law, workplace fall protection systems and equipment are typically expected at or above 2 metres.
How do you put on a fall protection harness?
To put on a fall protection harness correctly, hold it by the D-ring so it hangs naturally, step into the leg loops, pull on the shoulder straps, and tighten all buckles. A fall protection harness should fit snugly, with the D-ring sitting high between the shoulder blades.
What is fall arrest equipment?
Fall arrest equipment includes harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, anchors, and rescue devices. A complete fall arrest system ensures that if a worker falls, the equipment safely arrests the fall and reduces the risk of serious injury.
What is the difference between fall restraint and fall arrest?
Fall restraint systems stop workers from reaching the edge of a hazard, while fall arrest equipment stops a fall in progress. Both are essential components of a fall protection strategy, depending on the type of work being carried out.
Why is fall protection important?
Fall protection is important because falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. Using height safety equipment such as harnesses, anchors, and rescue kits ensures compliance with UK law and protects lives.
How often should fall protection equipment be inspected?
Fall protection equipment must be inspected before every use and undergo a detailed formal inspection at least every 6 months, or every 3 months if the harness or lanyard is used for intensive work such as scaffolding. Regular inspection ensures fall arrest equipment remains safe and compliant.
Who is responsible for fall protection at work?
Employers are legally responsible for ensuring workplace fall protection under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. However, employees must also use the equipment correctly and follow training to stay safe.