The Importance of Choosing the Right Tool Lanyards for Work at Height

The Importance of Choosing the Right Tool Lanyards for Work at Height

When it comes to working at height, safety is paramount. One of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries on worksites involving height is dropped objects, particularly hand tools that aren’t properly secured. While it might seem like a simple issue to fix—just tie off the tool with a lanyard—the reality is that choosing the right tool lanyard and understanding how to use it correctly is a critical part of ensuring safety at height. Here's everything you need to know about tool lanyards and why picking the right one is crucial.

Why Tool Lanyards Are Essential

According to safety statistics, dropped tools are consistently among the top causes of accidents on high-risk work sites. Tools falling from height not only pose significant risks to those working below, but they can also cause serious injuries or even fatalities. It’s easy to assume that simply attaching a tool to a lanyard will prevent these accidents—but it’s not that simple.

To effectively prevent dropped objects, tool lanyards must be strong and rated for the specific weight of the tools you’re working with. Secure tool lanyards are typically made from materials like strong webbing, coils, or wires and are designed with carabiners on both ends. One carabiner attaches to the tool, while the other is connected to either the person or a dedicated tools at height bag. This setup ensures that tools remain secured and accessible, without the risk of falling.

Choosing the Right Lanyard for the Job

Not all lanyards are created equal. It’s essential to choose a lanyard that is properly rated for the weight of your tools. Overloading a lanyard can cause it to snap, leading to dropped tools and potentially dangerous situations. Additionally, different tools require different types of lanyards.

One critical element of safety is ensuring that the tools themselves are designed for work at height. Certain tools—like adjustable wrenches—pose additional risks. While a lanyard can prevent a tool from falling, it won’t eliminate other hazards, such as loose components of the tool. For example, if the jaws of an adjustable wrench come loose, the tool could still fall and cause an injury, despite being tethered. That’s why it’s crucial to not only use the right lanyard but also to select tools that are designed to be used safely at height.

Retrofit Tool Lanyards: Are They Safe?

Many tools, such as hammers and pliers, don’t come with built-in attachment points for lanyards. Some workers may consider retrofitting these tools with aftermarket lanyard attachments. While these solutions might seem convenient, they come with risks.

First, retrofitting tools for lanyards relies heavily on the user’s skills. Improperly fitted lanyards can cause malfunctions, such as a screwdriver lanyard becoming entangled, which can hinder the worker’s ability to perform the task properly and safely. These retrofitted lanyards can also compromise the tool's functionality, making the job more difficult and potentially unsafe.

Furthermore, a retrofit tool tethering solution will not prevent accidents if the tool itself is unsafe. For instance, a multi-component tool like a hammer could fail if its head detaches, leading to a dropped object incident. In these cases, the lanyard doesn’t address the underlying safety issue: the tool itself is the problem.

A Better Solution: Purpose-Built Tools with Reliable Attachment Points

At Secure Tools, we take a different approach. We design and manufacture tools that are purpose-built for working at height, ensuring that all components are securely fastened and that each tool comes with reliable, easy-to-identify attachment points for tool tethers.

By eliminating the guesswork involved with retrofitting tools, we make it easier for workers to stay safe on the job. Our tools are engineered to maintain their full functionality while providing the necessary safety measures to prevent dropped object incidents. This approach not only improves safety but also increases productivity, as workers can confidently rely on their tools without worrying about compromised performance or safety.

The Bottom Line: Safety and Productivity Go Hand in Hand

When working at height, using a lanyard for tool tethering is an essential safety measure—but it’s only part of the equation. To ensure the highest level of safety, workers must choose the right tool lanyards and tools designed specifically for working at height. Avoid retrofitting and instead opt for tools with built-in attachment points for lanyards. This approach will give your workers the peace of mind to focus on the task at hand, knowing that their tools are securely fastened and safe to use.

Remember, safety doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and the right lanyards, you can significantly reduce the risk of dropped objects and create a safer work environment for everyone.

Stay safe, stay secure, and work with confidence.