Jobs that require working at high altitudes are common in construction, maintenance, assembly and many other sectors. However, the top priority in such jobs should be to ensure the safety of employees. Every year, accidents resulting from falls from heights cause serious injuries and even deaths. Therefore, it is vital to use the right equipment for the safety of workers working at high altitudes. Shock absorbers and lanyards are among the most basic equipment to ensure this safety.
The Importance of Shock Absorbers and Lanyards
Shock absorbers and lanyards minimize the risk of injury by reducing the force acting on the user in the event of a fall. When a fall occurs, the lanyard stops the user's fall, while the shock absorber absorbs the energy of the fall and reduces the force acting on the user. In this way, the user is protected from serious injuries that may occur to the spine, internal organs and other vital areas.
How Do Shock Absorbers Work?
Shock absorbers are equipment designed to reduce the impact of sudden forces that occur during falls from heights. In the event of a fall, the forces exerted on the body can cause serious injuries. Shock absorbing systems reduce these forces, minimizing the impact of the fall and reducing the risk of injury to employees.
The basic operation of shock absorbers is to absorb kinetic energy during a fall, thus reducing the damage that can be caused by a sudden stop. This feature is indispensable for ensuring the safety of workers, especially in high altitude work. The material of shock absorbers is generally flexible and expands during a fall to absorb energy. In this way, the worker's fall speed is controlled and the load on the body is reduced.
How Do Lanyards Work?
Lanyards are ropes, cords or similar attachment devices used to secure workers safely. Lanyards are essential safety equipment for high altitude workers that prevent workers from hitting the ground in the event of a fall. When used in conjunction with shock absorbers, lanyards effectively control the forces generated during a fall and reduce the impact of the fall.
Lanyards usually have two ends, one end is attached to the worker's safety belt, and the other end is secured to a secure fixed point.
The length of the lanyards is a critical factor in determining the fall distance. In addition, the locking mechanisms on the lanyards ensure that the worker remains in a stable position and minimize the risk of falling.
How to Minimize Risks with Shock Absorbers and Lanyards
1. Choose the Right Equipment: Choosing the right lanyard and shock absorber equipment for each job is critical to safety. Flexible and correct length lanyards should be selected according to the job requirements. At the same time, the capacity of the shock absorbers should also be taken into consideration.
2. Regular Maintenance and Control: Lanyards and shock absorbers should be regularly maintained and checked. Damaged or worn equipment should be replaced if necessary. Maintenance of this equipment is important not only in the event of a fall, but also during daily use.
3. Education and Awareness: It is vital to ensure safety that high altitude workers are adequately trained in the use of lanyards and shock absorbers. Workers need to know how to use this equipment and which equipment to prefer in which situations.
4. Use of Appropriate Connection Points: Lanyards should be secured to suitable anchor points. These points should be strong enough to ensure that the worker is held safely in the event of a fall. The selection of anchor points should be made carefully for safety reasons.
The Right Equipment, Safe Operation
Minimizing the risks of working at high altitudes is possible with the use of the right safety equipment. Shock absorbers and lanyards play a vital role at this point. Employee safety both increases work efficiency and prevents possible accidents. Therefore, choosing the right lanyard and shock absorber for high altitude work, regular maintenance and training are the basic elements of creating a safe work environment. Following the developments in the sector and using the latest and most effective equipment will maximize the safety of employees.