In fall protection, what is one component of fall arrest systems?

A shock absorber is a crucial component of fall arrest systems because it is designed to reduce the impact forces on a person during a fall. When a worker falls, the sudden stop can subject the body to significant forces that could lead to serious injury; the shock absorber extends and elongates the deceleration period, thereby minimizing these forces. This component is typically integrated into the lanyard, allowing some lengthening of the line during a fall, thus decreasing the stopping impact.

Other components of fall arrest systems also play significant roles, but they do not directly relate to the crucial function provided by a shock absorber. For example, a landing cushion is more associated with fall protection in terms of cushioning falls rather than arresting them, while a saddle harness and protection mat serve different functions in the scope of safety and protection. The importance of a shock absorber lies in its ability to safeguard a worker’s fall experience by controlling the forces exerted on their body, making it a fundamental element of effective fall arrest systems.