When building a tent structure, use of tools like ladders, platforms or boom lifts are necessary. From a tent as small as a 10-by-10-foot up to a 50-meter-wide structure, the way we use these tools must be carefully thought out to ensure that no one gets hurt or drops anything on a person below.
In 2025 OSHA released 10 of their most cited standard violations; of the 10, four were related to fall protection and falling from heights, which indicates why falls are the second leading cause of workplace fatalities in the construction and temporary construction industry.
Although it can feel intimidating, fall protection doesn’t have to be complicated. With some training and investment in your staff and their needs, the workplace is ultimately safer and harm is greatly reduced.
If you have never used or implemented any kind of fall protection, or if you need reminders of what to do once you have fall protection, here are the basics to keep you and your team safe:
Anatomy of fall protection
Fall protection is typically known as a full body harness and the lanyard that is attached to it. Lanyards can either have a retractable design or a set length design to them. Please note that a full body harness protects the person in the harness, not any tools or equipment that may be elevated with them. Fall protection also includes tool lanyards, fall restraint systems, having a physical barrier put into place, and controlled work zones.
When to use
Fall protection should be used when working on tall ladders and boom lifts. Some sites may have you put on fall protection when you work at heights of 6 feet or more. When working on a scissor lift or boom lift, fall protection should be worn as well. Sites can even require you to have dual lanyards so you will be tied off 100% of the time if you need to move around the lift.
Lifespan
Full body harnesses and lanyards only have a lifespan of five years from the start of service. This short lifespan is due to potential damage caused by constant use, as well as ultraviolet rays from the sun degrading the stitching. Fall protection equipment must never be left on the floor of a warehouse or job site. It should always be stored in a bag or hung so it isn’t touching the ground when not in use. Once a harness or lanyard reaches its expiration date, both must be cut up and discarded as trash. None of the components can be reused or repurposed in the future.
Inspections
Any kind of fall protection, including the tag, must be inspected every three months. The proper way to perform inspections is as follows:
- Check all stitching and make sure none are frayed or coming undone.
- Make sure all metal fasteners are not damaged or rusted and free of use.
- Check the fall indicators and make sure they have not been activated.
After the quarterly inspection is done, a physical tag must be attached noting the date it was inspected, and a tag from the factory must be filled out on the harness and lanyard. Remember, a simple overview and physical inspection should also be performed before daily use.
Where to purchase
Big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot do sell fall protection gear. They typically have all you will need when using a standard harness and lanyard, however it’s important to note that they will have limited sizing options. Other specialty tool stores or safety stores will carry some of the big-name brands you can buy. Sometimes they will even have a company representative come out and do training with your warehouse and crew on fall protection. This can be particularly helpful to ensure your crew knows how to adjust their harnesses correctly as improperly worn equipment can cause serious or even fatal injuries in a fall.
Lastly, when it comes to purchasing fall protection, don’t cheap out. These are crucial pieces of personal protective equipment that could save someone’s life.
The Tent Rental Division (TRD) represents companies in the commercial tent marketplace. It promotes safety for the tent installer and the public in tented events, assembles products and services listings, and represents members in code committees. The TRD provides a network to exchange information, solve common problems and develop mutually beneficial relationships.
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