Why is Choosing the Right Lanyard Important?

Ensuring safety in working at height and hazardous areas begins with choosing the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Among these, the lanyard is one of the most critical components of fall arrest systems. An incorrect lanyard selection can lead to serious workplace accidents, even when the highest-quality safety harnesses and anchorage systems are used. So, why is choosing the right lanyard so important?

What Is a Lanyard and What Does It Do?

A lanyard is a safety device that connects a full-body safety harness to an anchorage point or lifeline, limiting or stopping a fall. Thanks to its energy-absorbing structure, it absorbs the sudden force generated during a fall, reducing the load applied to the worker’s body.

Risks of Choosing the Wrong Lanyard

Using an unsuitable lanyard creates serious safety risks:

• Insufficient energy absorption during a fall
• Excessive impact force may injure the worker
• Anchorage or connection points may fail
• System integrity may be compromised

These situations are among the leading causes of life-threatening accidents.

Selecting the Right Lanyard for the Type of Work

Every industry and work environment involves different risks. Therefore, when selecting a lanyard, the following factors should be considered:

• Working height and distance
• Position of anchorage points
• Worker’s range of movement
• Fall factor

For example, double-leg lanyards should be preferred for tasks requiring continuous movement.

Types of Lanyards and Proper Use

Choosing the right lanyard starts with selecting the correct type:

• Energy-absorbing lanyard: mandatory for fall arrest systems
• Adjustable lanyard: adapts to different working distances
• Double-leg lanyard: provides continuous connection safety
• Steel wire lanyard: ideal for areas with cutting and abrasion risks

Using the wrong type of lanyard can render the system ineffective.

Why Is Compliance with Standards Important?

Lanyards used in occupational safety must comply with relevant standards:

• EN 354: General lanyard standard
• EN 355: Energy absorber standard
• CE Certification: European Union conformity

Non-compliant products pose serious legal and life-threatening risks.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The right lanyard provides not only safety but also comfort. Proper length and flexibility:

• Increase the worker’s mobility
• Reduce the likelihood of improper use
• Improve efficiency during long working hours

Uncomfortable equipment may cause workers to avoid using safety gear.

Periodic Inspection and Training

Correct use and regular inspection are just as important as proper selection. Damaged or worn lanyards must be removed from service immediately, and workers should receive regular training.

Choosing the right lanyard is one of the most critical links in the occupational safety chain. Lanyards that are suitable for working conditions, compliant with standards, and used correctly play a vital role in preventing workplace accidents. It should never be forgotten: the right safety equipment choice saves lives.