What should be ensured regarding lanyards in fall protection systems?

Lanyards in fall protection systems are crucial for safety, and ensuring that they are short helps to minimize the free-fall distance in case of a fall. By keeping the lanyard short, the risk associated with falling is significantly reduced, as it ensures that the user does not fall far before being caught by the harness and the lanyard system. This is particularly important because a shorter lanyard lowers the distance a worker may fall, thus minimizing potential injuries from impact when they are arrested.

Additionally, a shorter lanyard allows for better control of the user’s movement and reduces the swing that may occur during a fall, which can lead to additional hazards, such as hitting nearby structures or equipment. Prioritizing fall prevention safety measures effectively protects workers in environments where the risk of falling is present.