Upgrading Your Fall Protection Equipment

Words: Greg Brown

Top 3 Reasons to Upgrade Your Safety Gear

When it comes to masonry and construction, safety isn’t just a guideline—it’s a necessity. Fall protection and personal protective equipment (PPE) play a crucial role in ensuring that workers go home safely every day. But just because your gear meets the minimum requirements doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you or your team. Whether you’re a seasoned mason or a contractor overseeing multiple projects, upgrading your safety gear can make a world of difference. Here are the top three reasons to make a change.



1. It May Be Time.
Unlike some PPE that comes with a clear expiration date, fall protection equipment may not “expire” as long as it continues to pass inspections. However, many companies and general contractors enforce stricter safety policies that require replacing gear more frequently than OSHA regulations or ANSI standards dictate. Ask yourself: Has your gear been consistently passing inspections for several years? Are you still using the same harness and lanyards from years ago, even though they’ve been through harsh job site conditions? While your current gear may technically still be compliant, it may be a good idea to upgrade to new, unused equipment to ensure maximum reliability and safety. Fresh gear can provide peace of mind and help eliminate potential risks from wear and tear that may place your gear on the border of passing or failing.

 

2. Jobs and Duties Change—Maybe Your Gear Should Change With It.
Masonry work isn’t the same as roofing, steelwork, or framing, and your fall protection needs may differ depending on the specific duties of your job. The best safety gear is tailored to the work you do.

For example, a steelworker often requires a harness that is load-bearing and designed to accommodate dual personal self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) for high-angle work. In contrast, masons typically prefer a lighter harness that doesn’t restrict movement and integrates well with vertical lifeline assemblies or larger self-retracting lifelines that provide greater mobility.

If your job site responsibilities have shifted, or if you’ve taken on new tasks that require different safety measures, it’s worth evaluating whether your current gear still meets your needs. The right equipment can improve both safety and efficiency, helping you perform your job more effectively while reducing fatigue.

 

3. New and Better Equipment May Be Available.
The safety industry is constantly evolving, with manufacturers like Malta Dynamics developing innovative solutions that improve both performance and comfort. Today’s fall protection gear is lighter, less cumbersome, and designed to help workers move more freely while staying protected.

New harness designs offer better ergonomics and weight distribution, reducing strain on your shoulders and back. Lighter-weight lanyards and self-retracting lifelines can make a significant difference in overall comfort, allowing you to focus on the job instead of fighting against bulky equipment. Upgrading to modern fall protection gear could mean finishing your work faster and feeling less fatigued at the end of the day.

Investing in new safety gear isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that every mason on your team has the best possible protection to do their job safely and effectively. Don’t wait until an accident happens; take a proactive approach to safety and upgrade your equipment today!





About: Featured
 0
What gives with head protection? Why workers want to keep their hard hats and ditch safety helmets.
April 2025

Last August, I took my pickup to the dealership for a nagging check engine light. While it was being looked over, I chatted with the salesman I normally deal with, and he told me about the latest and greatest 2025 models. He told me how the twin turbo inl

Greg Brown
Featured
Read More
Government Affairs: Bringing North Carolina to Washington, D.C. and Hopefully Young People to Your Jobsites
April 2025

For you long time members of the Mason Contractors Association of America you likely remember our Annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In where MCAA members from around the country would come to Washington, D.C. meeting with Members of Congress from their home sta

Stephen Borg
Featured
Read More
Chairman's Message: While We Are Still Here
April 2025

I truly value my days working on construction sites during the summers of my high school and college days. Some moments in our youth are so clearly meaningful that we file them away in our subconscious to be recalled when life events require inspiration.

Dick Dentinger
Chairman’s Message
Read More
Contractor Tip of the Month: The Tough Calls That Define a Leader
April 2025

In construction, every project balances a delicate trio: coordination, precision, and timing. However, beyond blueprints and schedules, leadership demands something far greater—the ability to lead and make difficult decisions that shape the future of a co

Damian Lang
Featured
Read More