The construction industry is one of the most dangerous workplaces in the United States, with falls to a lower level being the leading cause of accidental death among construction workers. According to a report from The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, there were 1,008 construction fatalities, of which 353 were due to falls to a lower level. These statistics highlight the importance of personal fall protection systems in the workplace, because fatal injuries resulting from falls to a lower level are preventable.
A personal fall protection system is a system of equipment designed to protect workers from falling while working at heights. It comprises several components that work together to prevent injuries in the event of a fall. The equipment used within each fall protection system varies by the needs of the application. Below are some of the most common components included in personal fall protection systems: