Working at height is one of the most sensitive areas of occupational safety, and most accidents that occur each year result from improper equipment use. The incorrect selection, installation, or handling of critical safety devices such as lanyards and Retractable Fall Arrests can lead to serious consequences.

EKS Work Safety aims to prevent these mistakes through professional solutions developed over many years, providing workers with a safer working environment. However, just as important as choosing the right equipment is learning how to use it correctly.

Why Are Lanyard and Retractable Systems So Critical?

Every task performed at height carries serious risks, even with the slightest carelessness. In this context, lanyards and Retractable Fall Arrests form the most vital safety line protecting the worker’s life. While the lanyard securely connects the user to a fixed point, the retractable system minimizes the impact of a fall by locking instantly.

When selected and used correctly, these two systems not only prevent accidents but also maintain the worker’s mobility, enhancing efficiency. EKS Work Safety offers reliable solutions that achieve this balance, making safety a standard for everyone working at height.

Common Mistakes When Using Lanyards

A lanyard is a connecting element designed to reduce fall risk or keep the worker fixed at a specific position. However, several frequent mistakes in practice can significantly reduce its protective effectiveness.

1. Choosing the Wrong Lanyard

Every work environment is different, and not every job requires the same type of lanyard. The most common mistake is selecting a model that does not match the height or risk level of the task.

For example, a single-legged lanyard is suitable for short-distance work, while a double-leg lanyard should be used in jobs requiring a wider range of movement. Additionally, when energy absorbing lanyards are not used, the force transmitted to the worker’s body during a fall can cause serious injuries.

2. Connecting the Lanyard to the Wrong Anchor Point

Another critical mistake is attaching the lanyard to a weak or unsuitable Anchor point. The equipment must always be secured to an Anchor system compliant with EN standards. In many accidents, the carabiner was found hooked to a temporary pipe or structure that detached during a fall.

A proper anchor point should:

• Have a load capacity of at least 12 kN,
• Be positioned above the user’s level,
• Not obstruct movement.

3. Over-Tensioning or Knotting the Lanyard

Using a lanyard at the correct length is crucial for effective protection. Some workers keep it too short, restricting mobility, while others leave it too long, causing slack that increases fall distance.

Knotting or manually shortening the rope weakens its tensile strength and invalidates its certified safety ratings.

Mistakes When Using Retractable Fall Arrests

Retractable Fall Arrests are among the most advanced technologies in modern work safety equipment. The automatic retraction of the rope or webbing within a drum mechanism allows the user to move freely while ensuring instant locking during a fall. However, incorrect use of this system can also create serious risks.

1. Not Positioning the Equipment Vertically

Retractable Fall Arrests are designed for vertical operation. When used horizontally, the automatic locking mechanism may engage too late, increasing the fall distance. This risk is especially high during scaffolding or platform work. Always comply with the manufacturer’s recommended working angle limits.

2. Manually Rewinding the Rope

Some users try to manually rewind the rope when the device is not in use. This damages the internal spring mechanism and reduces locking sensitivity. If the rope does not retract automatically, the equipment requires professional maintenance.

3. Mixing Components from Different Products

Retractable Fall Arrests are engineered to function as a complete system. In practice, however, users often combine lanyards or carabiners from different brands. Such combinations break the product’s certification integrity and invalidate its tested safety limits.

EKS Work Safety recommends always using system components from the same manufacturer to ensure full compatibility and reliability.

The Importance of Coordination Between Lanyards and Retractable Fall Arrests

These two systems are not alternatives but complements. The lanyard provides positioning and restraint, while the Retractable Fall Arrest ensures fall arrest protection. Incorrect combinations can disrupt system balance.

For instance:

• Removing the energy absorber from the lanyard may cause excessive force on the body when the retractable device locks.
• Using the retractable device horizontally eliminates the stabilizing benefit of the lanyard.

Therefore, both systems must be properly integrated to ensure maximum safety on site.

Maintenance Tips for Lanyards and Fall Arrest Devices

Maintenance is just as vital as equipment selection. Dust, moisture, and chemicals can shorten the lifespan of mechanical systems.

Key points to check during maintenance:

• Replace ropes, cords, or straps showing wear, cuts, or deformation.
• Keep carabiners clean and free of oil.
• Do not use the device if the retraction spring makes abnormal noise.
• Ensure all equipment is tested according to EN 354, EN 355, and EN 360 standards.

EKS Work Safety applies these standards throughout its production and testing processes to ensure product reliability.

The Impact of Neglected Maintenance on Equipment Lifespan

The durability of work safety equipment depends not only on manufacturing quality but also on regular maintenance. Neglecting maintenance on lanyards or Retractable Fall Arrests shortens their lifespan and jeopardizes user safety.

Moisture, dust, and chemicals can cause corrosion and wear on ropes, carabiners, and mechanical components. This is especially critical in energy absorbing lanyards, where weakened stitching can reduce effectiveness, or in Retractable Fall Arrests, where delayed locking may occur.

EKS Work Safety designs all its products to make maintenance simple and efficient:

• Rope and mechanism inspections can be performed quickly,
• Parts are easy to remove and clean,
• A maintenance guide is provided with every product.

Regular maintenance not only extends the life of the equipment but also maintains trust and efficiency across the worksite.

Training and Awareness: The Foundation of Safe Use

Even the most advanced equipment loses its effectiveness when used incorrectly. Every worker at height should know not only how to use a lanyard or Retractable Fall Arrest, but also how to identify potential risks.

Raising user awareness through ongoing training, on-site drills, and technical briefings plays a vital role in preventing accidents.

• Determining correct lanyard connection points,
• Proper positioning of retractable systems,
• Calculating fall distances accurately,
• Performing daily equipment inspections, are the foundations of every safe work plan.

This awareness ensures consistent performance, minimizes risk, and promotes a culture of safety. EKS Work Safety supports this approach by providing products that comply with the highest international safety standards.

The Most Effective Way to Enhance Safety at Height

Safety at height depends not only on equipment selection but also on correct usage habits. Lanyards and Retractable Fall Arrests are the most crucial links in the safety chain. When chosen, maintained, and used according to manufacturer guidelines, they can prevent dozens of accidents every day.

EKS Work Safety strives to make workplace safety sustainable through high-standard production and user-focused solutions. Selecting the right equipment not only enhances safety but also improves worker comfort, confidence, and productivity.

Every Step with Confidence

When working at height, safety is not an option — it’s a necessity. Using the right lanyard and Retractable Fall Arrest prevents small mistakes from turning into major accidents. Each piece of equipment provides real protection only when combined with proper knowledge.

EKS Work Safety’s innovative designs and durable products make safe working easier than ever. Take the first step today — strengthen your safety, don’t postpone it. Contact us to discover the most suitable solutions for your workplace.

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