In the context of safety harnesses, what is the purpose of a deceleration lanyard?

A deceleration lanyard serves a critical safety function in fall protection systems by absorbing energy during a fall. When a person wearing a safety harness experiences a fall, the deceleration lanyard stretches and dissipates the energy generated by the fall. This absorption helps to reduce the force transmitted to the wearer's body, thereby decreasing the potential for injury.

This energy-absorbing capability is essential to ensure that the forces exerted on the body during a fall are within safe limits. By cushioning the impact, the deceleration lanyard plays a vital role in enhancing worker safety when heights are involved.

In contrast, while connecting a harness to a stable structure is crucial for overall safety, that function is typically served by a different component known as a tether or anchor line. Similarly, securing tools and providing climbing support are important aspects of job safety, but they do not pertain to the specific function of a deceleration lanyard. Thus, the purpose of the deceleration lanyard distinctly focuses on its role in energy absorption during falls.