OSHA-approved fall protection systems are used by many manufacturing companies to protect their workers. However, while many companies continue to use outdated wire rope systems, advancements have been made in the fall protection industry in recent years. Check out some tips below for selecting the right fall protection for your company between wire rope systems and the top two alternatives – I-Beam Systems and Rigid Track Systems.

When making an investment for a company in a fall protection system, there are many reasons to consider wire rope systems. OSHA is the body that creates industry standards for fall protection, and wire rope systems are OSHA approved. Wire rope systems have been in place for years at many workshops and they are typically effective at providing worker protection.

Wire rope systems of fall protection still allow workers to fall several feet. On a 40 feet long wire rope system, a fall can go as far as 8 feet before coming to a stop. Chances of coming into contact with metal outcroppings, ladders, or even the ground is very high for workers on a tanker truck or rail car, and the potential for severe injuries to the head or body are more likely.

There is a misconception that wire rope systems are less expensive than other options. How many companies do you know that would be willing to pay more when they can still meet the industry standard? After paying for a shock absorber and rope trolley required for wire rope systems, a “cost-to-benefits” analysis on wire rope systems will show that the cost of wire systems is very comparable to Rigid Track Systems.

Popular alternatives to wire rope systems include I-Beam Systems and Rigid Track Systems. Because they are rigid and horizontal in design, these rigid track systems are safer than wire rope systems. Worker movement is difficult and cumbersome through the use of an I-Beam System. There is also a demand for more trusses and the need for large foundations with I-Beams, so they can be more costly.

I-Beam Systems can be troublesome for companies in four-season climates because the elements can play a major role in their inefficiency. Because the trolley on an I-Beam cannot move through elements like snow and ice, I-Beam Systems can be rendered completely useless during the winter months. I-Beam systems also require a lot of track cleaning in order to keep the trolley mobile, leading to an increase in worker downtime for companies with “dirty jobs.”

Rigid Track fall protection systems are the best bet in comparison to wire rope and I-Beam systems for promoting worker safety and efficiency. With an enclosed track, the potential hazard of the elements is eliminated with a Rigid Track system. Thousands of dollars in engineering inspection and reinforcement can also be saved with a Rigid Track system, making them competitively priced with wire rope systems.

For workers in a variety of industries, Rigid Track fall protection systems also seem to be the safest option. There is no additional fall via the rigid beam on a horizontal track system, protecting workers from a fall as soon as their hoist locks. Workers to fall as much as 8 feet before receiving “protection” from wire rope systems.

For worker safety, worker efficiency, and cost benefits, there only seems to be one top choice for fall protection systems. Created using industry-leading engineering, and Rigid Track systems seem to be leading the industry. Make sure you consider horizontal fall protection the next time you're in the market for an improved system for your workstation.