Every year, over 40,000 Canadian workers get injured from falls at work. In 2024 alone, British Columbia saw over 4,000 fall-related claims with 9 fatalities. Alberta reported 18 fall fatalities, making up 35% of all workplace deaths. These aren’t just numbers – they’re real people who didn’t make it home to their families.
If you’re managing a construction site, doing window glazing, or working at heights, you’ve probably wondered: Should I use fall arrest or fall restraint? The wrong choice could mean the difference between a worker going home safe or ending up in the hospital.
Here’s the thing – both systems save lives, but they work completely differently. One stops you after you fall, the other prevents you from falling in the first place. Let’s break down which system fits your job site best.
What Exactly Are These Systems?
Fall arrest systems are your safety net. They kick in after a worker has already started falling. Think of them as an emergency brake for your body. The system includes a full-body harness, shock absorbers, and connecting devices that work together to stop the fall and reduce the impact on your body.
Fall restraint systems are your invisible fence. They prevent workers from even reaching the fall hazard. Using fixed-length lanyards or lifelines, these systems keep workers in a safe zone where falling simply isn’t possible.
Both systems are legally required in Canada when working at heights of 3 meters or more, or anywhere a fall could cause serious injury.
Ready to upgrade your site’s safety training? Our construction safety training programs help your team understand which system works best for different situations.
The Real Differences That Matter
Here’s where it gets interesting. These systems aren’t just different – they’re designed for completely different scenarios:
| Aspect | Fall Restraint | Fall Arrest |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevents falls by restricting movement | Stops a fall that has already occurred |
| System Design | Limits mobility with lanyard/lifeline | Includes shock-absorbing component |
| Clearance Requirements | Shorter, no fall possible | Longer, to absorb fall impact |
| Fall Distance | Zero, no fall | Must account for fall distance |
| Fall Risk | Lower, cannot fall | Higher, allows movement in hazard area |
| Cost | Often less expensive, less equipment | May be more expensive, additional equipment |
| Ideal Use Cases | Where physical barrier/guardrail not practical | Where fall hazards cannot be eliminated/mitigated |
When Fall Restraint Makes Perfect Sense
Fall restraint shines when you can keep workers away from the danger zone. Here’s when we recommend it:
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Roofing work where workers need to stay back from edges
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Window glazing on multi-story buildings where workers can be tethered safely
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Routine maintenance tasks with predictable work areas
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Sites where guardrails aren’t practical but you can still control worker movement
The beauty of fall restraint? Zero fall risk. If a worker can’t reach the hazard, they can’t fall. It’s that simple.
The downside? Limited mobility. Workers can’t move freely, which might slow down certain jobs. But for many tasks, this trade-off is worth it.
When Fall Arrest Is Your Only Option
Sometimes, you can’t eliminate the fall hazard. That’s when fall arrest becomes essential:
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High-rise construction where workers must move across open platforms
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Bridge work with unavoidable fall hazards
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Steel erection where restraint isn’t feasible
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Any job where workers need mobility in hazardous areas
Fall arrest gives workers freedom to move while providing a safety net. But remember – this system assumes a fall might happen. That’s why you need:
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Proper clearance calculations to prevent “bottoming out”
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Shock-absorbing components to reduce impact forces
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A rescue plan because suspension trauma can kill within 30 minutes
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s talk about what’s really happening on Canadian job sites:
2024 Fall Statistics:
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British Columbia: Over 4,000 claims, 9 fatalities
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Alberta: 18 fall fatalities (35% of workplace deaths)
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Saskatchewan: 14 fatalities, 4.33 falls per 100 workers
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Manitoba: 55 falls, 10 fatalities, 45 injuries
These numbers tell a story. Falls are the second-leading cause of workplace fatalities in Canada. Every statistic represents someone’s family member, friend, or coworker.
What the Safety Experts Say
Industry leaders aren’t mincing words about fall protection:
Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, puts it bluntly: “Everyone deserves to come home safe from work, and we can make sure that happens by always using fall protection equipment, and using it properly.”
MJ MacDonald, CEO of Construction Safety Nova Scotia, sees a troubling pattern: “I am tired of driving by sites and seeing workers with their safety harnesses on but not tied off. There’s just no excuse. A harness can save your life but not unless it’s tied-off.”
This hits home for us at Safeline Group. We see it too – workers with equipment but not using it correctly.
Making the Right Choice for Your Site
Here’s our practical guide:
Choose Fall Restraint When:
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Workers can be kept away from fall hazards
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Job tasks are predictable and contained
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Budget is tight (often less expensive)
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Risk tolerance is low
Choose Fall Arrest When:
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Fall hazards can’t be eliminated
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Workers need mobility in hazardous areas
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Complex job sites with multiple hazards
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You have proper rescue procedures in place
Pro tip: Many sites benefit from both systems. Use restraint where possible, arrest where necessary.
Need help developing a comprehensive fall protection plan? Our COR program development services can help you create site-specific safety protocols that meet Canadian standards.
Training and Legal Requirements You Can’t Ignore
Canada doesn’t mess around with fall protection laws. At 3 meters or higher, fall protection is mandatory. But it’s not just about having the equipment – it’s about using it right.
Required training covers:
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Equipment assembly and inspection
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Site-specific fall protection plans
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Rescue procedures (critical for arrest systems)
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Regular equipment maintenance
Standards you need to know:
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CSA Z259.17 (Selection and Use of Active Fall-Protection Equipment)
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CSA Z259.12 (Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems)
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CSA Z259.16 (Design of Active Fall-Protection Systems)
Here’s what most companies miss: Regular inspections and having a rescue plan. If someone falls and is suspended, you have about 30 minutes before suspension trauma becomes life-threatening.
The Bottom Line: Your Workers’ Lives Matter
Both fall arrest and fall restraint systems save lives, but they serve different purposes. Fall restraint prevents falls entirely – it’s your first choice when workers can be kept away from hazards. Fall arrest stops after they happen – it’s essential when hazards can’t be eliminated.
The choice isn’t about which system is “better.” It’s about which system fits your specific job site hazards, worker mobility needs, and safety culture.
Remember: The best fall protection system is the one that gets used correctly every single time. No shortcuts, no exceptions.
Your Safety Questions Answered
Q: Can I use fall arrest equipment for fall restraint? A: Yes, but not the other way around. Fall arrest equipment can be configured for restraint, but fall restraint equipment lacks the shock-absorbing components needed for arrest systems.
Q: How much clearance do I need for fall arrest systems? A: This depends on your specific equipment and setup. Generally, you need enough clearance to account for lanyard stretch, shock absorber deployment, and worker height – often 18-20 feet total.
Q: Are there height requirements for fall protection in Canada? A: Yes, fall protection is required at 3 meters (10 feet) or more, or at any height where a fall could cause serious injury.
Q: How often should fall protection equipment be inspected? A: Before each use by the worker, and formally inspected by a competent person at least annually, or more frequently based on manufacturer recommendations and use conditions.
Q: What’s the difference between a competent person and a qualified person for fall protection? A: A competent person has the knowledge and experience to identify hazards and take corrective action. A qualified person has the knowledge, training, and experience to solve problems related to fall protection systems.
Ready to Build a Safer Job Site?
At Safeline Group of Companies, we’ve helped many companies navigate fall protection requirements and implement systems that actually work. Our training programs don’t just check boxes – they save lives.
Whether you need fall arrest, fall restraint, or both, the key is proper implementation. Your workers deserve to go home safe every day. Make that happen with the right system, proper training, and a commitment to safety that goes beyond compliance.
Contact us today to discuss your specific fall protection needs and ensure your team has the knowledge and equipment to work safely at heights.
