What is the effect of not properly rigging a fall arrest system?

Not properly rigging a fall arrest system significantly increases the risk of injury to workers. Fall arrest systems are designed to catch a falling worker and minimize the forces experienced during a fall. If the system is not rigged correctly, it can fail to function as intended, leaving the worker vulnerable to severe injuries upon falling. This could result in greater falls from height, increased impact forces, or even complete failure of the system, all leading to potential life-threatening situations.

When rigged correctly, fall arrest systems provide critical protection by ensuring that workers are safely secured while working at heights. Proper rigging includes securing the anchor points, using the correct type of harness, and ensuring the components of the system work together effectively. Therefore, if any aspect of this rigging is overlooked or improperly set up, it correlates directly with an elevated risk of serious injury or fatality during fall incidents.