The fall factor is a critical concept in height safety, used to evaluate the potential severity of a fall. It directly relates to the position of the user’s attachment point on a fall protection system in relation to the location of the anchor point.

What is the fall factor?

The fall factor is calculated using the following formula:

Fall Factor = Free Fall Distance ÷ Length of the Lanyard (before energy absorber deployment)

This measurement gives an indication of how far a person could fall before their fall protection system begins to absorb the energy. A higher fall factor means a more severe fall, resulting in greater forces on the user and equipment.

In standard work situations, the maximum fall factor is 2.

Why is the fall factor important?

A higher fall factor results in:

Greater fall distance

Higher impact forces on the body and equipment

Increased risk of injury

Keeping the fall factor as low as possible helps to reduce the severity of a fall and the load on the safety system.

How to minimise the fall factor:

Use an anchor point above the user wherever possible. This gives the lowest fall factor and is the safest option.

Shoulder-level anchor points can be used but result in a higher fall factor and should only be a second choice.

Foot-level anchor points lead to the maximum fall factor (2) and should only be used if there is no safer alternative.

Always aim to:

Minimise the length of any potential fall

Use the shortest lanyard suitable for the task

Position the anchor point above the user when possible

Key points:

Fall Factor = Free Fall Distance ÷ Lanyard Length

Maximum fall factor is 2 in standard use

Anchor points above the user provide the lowest fall factor

The higher the anchor point, the safer the system

Reduce lanyard length to minimise fall risk