When working at height, preventing a fall is always better than stopping one after it happens.

Work restraint systems are designed to do exactly that — keeping operatives away from edges and fall risks altogether.

In this video, we break down how restraint systems work, when to use them, and what to consider when setting them up in real-world environments.

Watch the full video:

The principle of work restraint is simple:

You should never be able to reach a position where a fall can occur.

Unlike fall arrest systems, which are designed to stop a fall after it happens, restraint systems are preventative.

By limiting movement using a fixed or adjustable lanyard, the user is physically restricted from reaching the edge or hazard.

Because of this:

• There is no fall distance
• There is no need for energy absorption
• The system focuses entirely on positioning and control

This makes restraint one of the most effective ways to reduce risk when working at height — when applied correctly.

Practical Steps / Key Takeaways

To use work restraint effectively:

• Always select a suitable and sufficient anchor point
• Use adjustable lanyards where positioning flexibility is needed
• Ensure the system prevents access to the edge at all times
• Regularly adjust the system as your body position changes
• Avoid introducing slack that could increase risk

A common mistake is setting up a system that allows too much movement, unintentionally introducing fall risk.

In practice, work restraint systems are only as effective as their setup.

We often see situations where:

• Fixed lanyards don’t allow access to the work area
• Users introduce slack to compensate
• Or systems are incorrectly assumed to be “safe”

This is where understanding the system becomes critical.

Adjustable restraint systems offer a practical solution — allowing operatives to position themselves effectively while still maintaining protection.

But they require active management.

As your position changes, your system needs to change with it.

At REAX, we focus on practical application, ensuring teams don’t just understand the theory, but can apply it confidently on site.

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