Fall Arrest vs Restraint Lanyards: What’s the Difference in Kenya

Two lanyards can look almost identical — a strap with a hook on each end — and still be built for completely different situations. The difference that actually matters is whether it has an energy absorber, and it comes down to two European standards: EN 354 and EN 355.

In short: a restraint lanyard (EN 354) has no energy absorber. It’s designed to physically stop a worker reaching a fall hazard in the first place — it is not rated to arrest a fall in progress. A fall arrest lanyard (EN 355) includes a built-in energy absorber that deploys to reduce the arresting force on the body if a fall does happen. Using an EN 354 restraint lanyard where a fall is actually possible is a real mismatch, not a minor detail.

Restraint lanyards (EN 354): stopping you before the edge

Our restraint lanyards — webbing lanyard with 1 hook, with a scaffold hook, rope lanyard with 1 hook and the twin webbing version — all conform to EN 354. They’re a fixed or limited length, sized so a worker physically cannot reach a point where a fall is possible. There’s no shock-absorbing element built in, because the design intent is that no fall ever happens.

Fall arrest lanyards (EN 355): built to catch a real fall

Our fall arrest lanyards — twin webbing with energy absorber, twin rope with energy absorber and the twin expandable webbing version — all conform to EN 355. The energy absorber is a fabric or webbing element that tears or stretches in a controlled way during a fall, reducing the peak force transmitted to the worker’s body. This is what makes the lanyard rated for situations where a fall is genuinely possible, such as roof edges or open floors.

Work positioning lanyards: a third category

Our adjustable webbing lanyard and adjustable rope lanyard are work positioning lanyards — used with the lateral D-rings on a 3-point or 5-point harness to let a worker lean back and work hands-free. They’re adjustable for length rather than fixed, and they connect to a different part of the harness entirely from a fall-arrest or restraint lanyard.

Don’t confuse a tool lanyard with a fall-protection lanyard

Our tool lanyard looks similar — a strap with a karabiner — but it exists to stop a dropped tool falling on someone below, not to protect the worker themselves. It attaches to the harness waist belt, not to a fall-arrest anchor point, and it isn’t a substitute for a restraint or fall arrest lanyard.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between EN 354 and EN 355 lanyards?

EN 354 (restraint) has no energy absorber and is designed to stop a worker reaching a fall hazard at all. EN 355 (fall arrest) has a built-in energy absorber that reduces arresting force if a fall actually happens.

Can a restraint lanyard be used for fall arrest?

No — a restraint lanyard (EN 354) has no energy absorber and is not rated to arrest a fall in progress. Where a fall is genuinely possible, an EN 355 fall arrest lanyard is needed.

What is a work positioning lanyard used for?

It connects to the lateral D-rings on a 3-point or 5-point harness, letting a worker lean back and work hands-free at height. It’s adjustable for length rather than fixed.

Is a tool lanyard the same as a fall-protection lanyard?

No — a tool lanyard stops a dropped tool falling on someone below. It attaches to the waist belt, not a fall-arrest anchor point, and doesn’t protect the worker from a fall.

Once your lanyard is matched to the task, see our guide to harness types and D-ring configurations.

Browse our full lanyard range in stock now, or get in touch to talk through which type your work needs.