What is the purpose of a personal fall arrest system?

The purpose of a personal fall arrest system is to protect individuals from falls, particularly in environments where they are working at heights. Such systems are designed to safely stop a person in the event of a fall, minimizing the risk of serious injury or fatality. These systems typically consist of a full-body harness, a lanyard, and an anchoring point, working together to secure the worker and absorb the energy of a fall, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of a worker striking the ground or other surface.

The primary function of a personal fall arrest system is safety; it is a crucial component in fall protection strategies to ensure that workers can perform their tasks without the added risk of falling. This focus on reducing fall hazards and enhancing personal safety is the cornerstone of occupational safety and health standards.