Safety absorber

Energy absorber – a key component of fall protection systems

An energy absorber is an essential component of personal protective equipment (PPE) used when working at height. Its primary function is to reduce the impact forces acting on the worker in the event of a fall, significantly lowering the risk of serious injury. In this category, you will find a comprehensive range of energy absorbers designed for use with safety harnesses, engineered for fall arrest in professional construction, industrial, and assembly applications, including scaffolding work.

Most commonly, an energy absorber with an adjustable lanyard forms an integral part of a fall arrest system, working in combination with components such as safety harnesses, connectors, and anchorage points. A properly selected shock absorber limits the impact force to levels permitted by applicable safety standards, protecting both the user and the anchorage structure. It is an indispensable element of any fall protection system.

How does an energy absorber work?

Many users ask how an energy absorber works in practice. The mechanism is based on the controlled tearing of internal webbing or the extension of the energy-absorbing element during a fall. This process allows kinetic energy to be gradually dissipated, significantly reducing the forces acting on the worker’s body and transferring the remaining load to the components of the fall arrest equipment.

This solution is vital wherever there is a risk of falling, providing the highest level of protection. In practice, the energy absorber’s role is to dampen sudden shock loads and reduce stress on the lanyard, harness, and anchorage points. To ensure the worker's safety, the absorber and its connectors must dissipate a significant portion of the fall energy. For this reason, in accordance with the EN 355 standard, energy absorbers are single-use devices and must be withdrawn from service immediately after deployment.

Types of energy absorbers

The BalticWorkwear store offers various PPE configurations adapted to different working conditions, including energy absorbers with single or twin lanyards. Models equipped with twin (double) polyamide webbing arms allow for safe and continuous movement between anchorage points.

Such systems are particularly popular for fall protection during work on scaffolding and roofs. The lanyard connected to the energy absorber may be adjustable or fixed-length, ensuring appropriate protection in a wide range of environments.

In practice, safety harness kits with lanyards and energy absorbers are also widely used, forming a complete, standards-compliant fall arrest system. These ready-to-use kits allow for quick preparation of the worker without the need to assemble individual components separately.

Which energy absorber should you choose?

When selecting equipment, consider whether you need a fixed or elasticated lanyard. Twin elasticated lanyard energy absorbers significantly improve comfort and safety, as they stay retracted when not under tension, reducing tripping hazards while allowing the user to remain continuously secured.

When comparing safety harnesses with energy absorbers – price and technical specifications – it is important to consider certifications, lanyard length, energy absorption capacity, and the maximum permissible user weight. Proper equipment selection is not only a regulatory requirement but, above all, a critical safeguard for health and life.

Proven solutions for working at height

Our range includes only energy absorbers that meet current EN standards and PPE requirements. One of the leading manufacturers of fall protection equipment is the Polish brand Protekt, whose certified products are available in our store. These solutions are designed for intensive use and ensure a high level of safety in everyday work – from construction and industry to maintenance and installation tasks.