Working at height is one of the most critical areas of occupational safety. Every year, hundreds of accidents occur due to inadequate equipment selection or improper use. At this point, lanyard systems and Retractable Fall Arrests are two of the most essential solutions for ensuring worker safety. Although both systems serve the same purpose, their operating principles, designs, and performance characteristics differ significantly.

EKS Work Safety develops professional solutions backed by years of experience in work safety equipment for working at height. Its product range includes lanyards, Retractable Fall Arrests, Anchors, carabiners, and Energy Absorbers, all designed in compliance with international safety standards.

What Is a Lanyard and What Does It Do?

A lanyard is the primary connection element that links a harness to an Anchor point to prevent or limit falls. It is usually made of polyester or polyamide ropes, with a carabiner or hook at one end. Some models are equipped with Energy Absorbers, which dissipate the shock force generated during a fall, reducing the impact transmitted to the worker’s body.

Lanyard systems are generally preferred for short-distance or fixed-position tasks such as:

• Technicians working on scaffolds in a fixed position
• Maintenance and repair personnel
• Operators performing short-term tasks on platforms or poles

The main advantages of this system are its simplicity and durability. However, in work areas requiring wider mobility or continuous movement, a lanyard alone may not be sufficient.

What Is a Retractable Fall Arrest?

A Retractable Fall Arrest is an advanced safety system in which a rope or webbing is automatically wound and released through a drum mechanism. As the user moves, the rope extends freely, and when movement stops, it automatically retracts.

This design offers multiple advantages:

• The rope does not drag on the ground or become tangled.
• It provides the user with a high degree of mobility.
• The mechanism locks within milliseconds when a fall is detected.

EKS Work Safety manufactures Retractable Fall Arrests with both steel rope and columnar (webbing) options. Each model is optimized for different heights, ground structures, and working conditions.

Key Differences Between Lanyards and Retractable Fall Arrests

The differences between these two systems are not only in their design but also in their intended use.

1. Structural Differences

• A lanyard has a fixed length—typically around 1.5 to 2 meters.
• A Retractable Fall Arrest has a dynamic structure; the rope length adjusts automatically according to the user’s position.

2. Fall Response

• A lanyard does not completely stop a fall; instead, it absorbs the shock energy through its Energy Absorbers.
• A Retractable Fall Arrest detects fall speed, locks the drum, and stops the fall within a very short distance.

3. User Comfort

• The lanyard is ideal for users working in a stable, fixed position.
• The Retractable Fall Arrest offers greater ergonomics and flexibility for workers moving across wider areas.

Advantages of Retractable Fall Arrests

EKS Work Safety’s retractable systems are engineered to deliver maximum safety and high efficiency in modern industrial environments.

Main advantages include:

• Automatic retraction system: The rope extends as the user moves and retracts automatically when movement stops.
• Rapid locking mechanism: The drum locks in milliseconds at the moment of a fall.
• Compact and lightweight design: Enhances user comfort and reduces fatigue during long work periods.
• Low maintenance requirement: High-quality steel ropes and polymer housings ensure durability and longevity.

Advantages of Lanyard Use

In short-distance, fixed-position, or maintenance-oriented work, lanyard systems remain among the most reliable solutions. Their simple structure and easy integration offer high safety and speed up work processes.

• Simple and practical design: Quick setup with no need for complex technical knowledge.
• Lightweight and portable: Provides comfort during extended use without tiring the user.
• Cost-effective solution: More affordable compared to Retractable Fall Arrest systems.
• Strong protection: Energy absorbing lanyard models minimize impact by dissipating shock during sudden falls.

Thanks to these features, lanyards provide an effective, reliable, and ergonomic alternative in confined spaces or for short-term work at height.

Which Equipment Should Be Preferred in Different Conditions?

Both systems aim to eliminate fall risks, yet the working environment and risk level should guide the selection.

Retractable Fall Arrests should be preferred:

• In areas with significant height differences
• Where the user needs a wide range of motion
• In environments requiring minimal fall distance

Lanyards should be preferred:

• For short-term or fixed-position tasks
• For maintenance jobs requiring limited movement
• In environments with restricted fall clearance

The Importance of Maintenance and Periodic Inspection

Just as important as choosing the right equipment is ensuring regular maintenance and inspection. Lanyards and Retractable Fall Arrests should be visually inspected before each use and tested periodically by authorized personnel.

Key inspection points:

• Wear or damage on ropes or webbing
• Locking performance of carabiners and connectors
• Functionality of Energy Absorbers or braking mechanisms
• Deformation, cracks, or corrosion on the housing
  
  

EKS Work Safety’s Approach

EKS Work Safety maintains consistent quality through high-standard production processes for work safety equipment. Every lanyard and Retractable Fall Arrest is tested to provide maximum protection in real working conditions.

During product development:

• EN 354, EN 355, and EN 360 standards are strictly followed.
• All components are produced using high-strength materials.
• Designs prioritize user ergonomics and ease of installation.

Thanks to this approach, EKS Work Safety develops solutions that are not only safe but also user-friendly.

Enhancing Safety at Height Through Proper Equipment Selection

The risks of working at height can never be completely eliminated, but they can be minimized through the right equipment choices. Lanyard systems offer simple yet effective protection, while Retractable Fall Arrests deliver higher performance, automatic response, and enhanced comfort.

EKS Work Safety provides professional solutions for both systems, helping elevate workplace safety to the next level. Choosing the right equipment directly affects not only occupational safety but also worker comfort, productivity, and operational continuity.

You can contact us to take the safety of your work environment to the next level and discover EKS Work Safety’s innovative solutions.

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