Fall Restraint vs Fall Arrest: 8 Differences & Which is Safer?

TopScope (M) Sdn. Bhd. has been a trusted name in fall protection and safety solutions in Malaysia since 1984. With over 40 years of experience, we specialise in providing cutting-edge fall protection systems, including both fall arrest and fall restraint systems.

In this article, we will explore the differences between these 2 crucial safety systems, helping you determine which is best for your specific needs.

What is a Fall Arrest System?

A fall arrest system is designed to stop a person who has already fallen from a height. It includes essential components such as full-body harnesses, lifelines, and anchorage points to minimize injury and prevent further movement after the fall. Learn more about fall arrest system.

TopScope’s Expertise: We offer a comprehensive range of fall arrest systems, including MSA Latchways horizontal and vertical lifelines, which are engineered to meet the highest safety standards. These systems have been successfully implemented in several high-rise projects across Malaysia, including luxury condominiums and office towers in Kuala Lumpur.

What is a Fall Restraint System?

Unlike fall arrest systems, fall restraint systems are designed to prevent a fall from occurring in the first place by restricting access to dangerous areas. These systems typically use guardrails, roof walkways, and personal restraint lanyards to keep workers safely away from edges and other fall hazards.

TopScope’s Expertise: For projects requiring fall restraint solutions, TopScope provides MSA Latchways WinGrip vacuum anchors and guardrails that offer unparalleled protection, ensuring workers can perform their tasks safely without the risk of falling.

The 5 Hierarchy of Fall Protection

The hierarchy of fall protection provides a structured approach to minimizing fall risks. It starts with eliminating hazards, followed by passive systems like guardrails, then active systems like fall restraint and fall arrest.

1. Eliminate the Hazard

The most effective method is to redesign tasks so workers don’t need to be at height, using tools or technology to remove the fall risk entirely.

2. Passive Fall Protection

Use guardrails, parapets, or covers to block access to fall hazards without requiring worker involvement, ensuring consistent safety.
Passive systems are low-maintenance and provide long-term protection once installed.

3. Fall Restraint Systems

Restrict workers’ movement with lanyards or barriers to prevent them from reaching hazardous areas, keeping them safely within secure zones.
These systems are ideal for tasks where eliminating access to hazards is possible but complete hazard removal isn’t.

4. Fall Arrest Systems

Designed to stop a fall after it occurs, using harnesses and lifelines to prevent injury. Learn more about safety lifelines.
This system is a last line of defense when workers must operate in areas where fall risks cannot be avoided.

5. Controlled Access Zones

Rely on policies, training, and signage to inform and protect workers, but these methods depend on consistent worker adherence.
Regular training and refreshers are essential to ensure these controls remain effective.

Fall Restraint vs Fall Arrest : 8 Key Differences

While both systems are critical in fall protection, there are 8 key differences you should know:

Feature	Fall Restraint	Fall Arrest
Function	Prevents workers from reaching fall hazards	Stops a fall after it has occurred
When Used	When workers can be kept away from hazardous areas	When working in areas where a fall risk is present
Equipment	Personal restraint lanyards, guardrails, walkways	Full-body harness, lifelines, shock absorbers
Action	Restricts movement to prevent a fall from occurring	Arrests the worker mid-fall to prevent injury
Application	Used where workers can be restricted from hazards	Used where falls are unavoidable
Safety Level	Provides proactive protection before a fall	Provides protection after a fall
Maintenance	Requires less frequent maintenance	Requires regular inspection and servicing
Risk of Injury	Lower risk since fall is prevented	Higher risk if fall occurs, but minimizes injury

Still not sure which system is right for you? Get personalised recommendations from us!

Which is Safer: Fall Arrest or Fall Restraint?

Fall restraint systems are generally safer because they prevent falls entirely by restricting workers from reaching dangerous areas. For example, in Malaysia’s property development industry, TopScope installed guardrails and roof walkways on luxury condominiums in Mont Kiara, ensuring workers stayed within safe zones, eliminating fall risks altogether.

Fall arrest systems, on the other hand, are essential where fall hazards cannot be avoided, such as on high-rise construction sites or offshore platforms. These systems, like full-body harnesses and lifelines, stop a fall in progress, minimizing injury. TopScope implemented such systems in projects like the Petronas Towers, where workers performed tasks near open edges, making fall arrest systems crucial for safety.

In summary, fall restraint is preferred for maximum safety, but fall arrest is necessary in high-risk environments where workers must operate near fall hazards.