In order for a fall to be arrested in a controlled manner it is of up most importance that there is enough energy absorption capacity within the fall arrest system. If the energy absorption being present in the system the fall can not be arrested properly, it would only work if large forces were applied to the anchorage and the worker... however this could result in both being severely effected.

There is a good example that will kind of show you how it works in layman's terms; it is comparable to dropping an egg on soft mud as opposed to dropping an egg on to stone floor. There are many different types of fall arrest equipment with the most common one being the 'Vertical Lifeline'. The Vertical Line is comprised of a harness with a shock absorbing lanyard and a rope that is connected to an anchor above the point they are descending. Once all of the components are in place and meet the requirements of the standard the point where the rope is anchored is called an anchorage and when the entire system is in place including the rope and anchorage the system is then referred to as a 'lifeline'. This is a fitting name as if you were to fall it literally does save your life and give you another lifeline.

There are other different types of Fall Equipment available and the one you chose should depend on the reason for needing it. There are many companies that specialises in this equipment so have a good look around.