How to Choose the Right Lanyard When Working at Height

When working at height, your safety depends on more than just wearing a harness, it’s about using the right equipment for the task. One of the most critical decisions is choosing the correct lanyard for your harness.

But not all lanyards are the same. Depending on the nature of the job, you might need a work restraint, work positioning, or fall arrest lanyard. Selecting the wrong type can increase risk, cause discomfort, or even render your safety system ineffective.

In this guide, we break down the differences between the main types of lanyards and help you choose the right one for the job.

What Is a Lanyard in Fall Protection?

A lanyard is a vital component in a personal fall protection system. It connects the user’s harness to an anchor point and helps to prevent access to fall hazards, support safe working positions, and arrest a fall safely if one occurs. The right type of lanyard depends on the task, environment, height, risk level, and movement needs.

1. Work Restraint Lanyards

Work restraint lanyards prevent workers from reaching a fall hazard by restricting movement.

Best for:

• Flat roofs
• Plant platforms
• M&E installations
• Low-risk environments with clear edge protection

Key Features:

• Fixed or adjustable length
• No energy absorber (because it’s not designed to arrest a fall)
• Used to keep the worker within a safe area

Key Benefits:

• Lightweight and simple to use
• Prevents falls altogether by eliminating exposure
• Offers more freedom than a guardrail but still keeps you safe

Important: Never use a restraint lanyard where there’s a realistic chance of falling.

2. Work Positioning Lanyards

Work positioning lanyards are designed to allow the worker to be safely held in position while working hands-free.

Best for:

• Pole and tower climbing
• Telecommunications
• Utilities
• Rope access and arborist work

Key Features:

• Connects to side D-rings on the harness
• Often includes adjustable length for precise positioning
• Typically used in combination with a fall arrest backup

Key Benefits:

• Supports the body securely while working at height
• Frees up both hands for tools or delicate work
• Reduces strain and increases stability on the job

Note: Work positioning is not a fall arrest method. If there’s a risk of falling, a secondary fall arrest system is required.

3. Fall Arrest Lanyards

Fall arrest lanyards are designed to stop a fall in progress and reduce the impact forces on the body.

Best for:

• Roofing
• Scaffolding
• Steel erection
• High-risk construction tasks

Key Features:

• Includes an energy absorber to limit fall forces (usually under 6 kN)
• Can be single-leg or twin-leg (for 100% tie-off while moving)
• Often used with fixed anchor points or horizontal lifelines

Key Benefits:

• Protects against serious injury during a fall
• Twin-leg options allow movement without disconnecting
• Required wherever a fall cannot be prevented or eliminated

Tip: Always check fall clearance requirements – the space below the anchor point needed to stop the fall safely.

Other Key Considerations When Choosing a Lanyard

Regardless of lanyard type, always consider:

• Anchor Location – Overhead anchors reduce fall distance.
• Fall Clearance – Make sure there’s enough space below to arrest a fall safely.
• User Weight – Include the weight of the person and tools.
• Environment – Is it hot, wet, sharp-edged, or corrosive? Choose lanyards designed for those conditions.
• Standards Compliance – Ensure the lanyard meets EN354 (restraint/positioning) or EN355 (fall arrest) standards.

Don’t Forget Training & Inspections

Even the best equipment is useless without proper training and inspections. Make sure all users:

• Understand how to choose and use lanyards correctly
• Perform pre-use checks every day
• Have regular, documented inspections (every 6 months minimum)

Choosing the Right Lanyard When Working at Height

Choosing the right lanyard is essential for anyone working at height. When you understand the difference between restraint, positioning, and fall arrest lanyards, you empower yourself and your team to work more safely, confidently, and in compliance with UK regulations.

Need help selecting the right lanyard or training your team on height safety?

Get in touch with our safety experts for tailored advice, equipment supply, or certified training courses.