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

If you need further support, please contact our Technical Support Team using the email: technical@jspsafety.com or contact us via our WhatsApp.