The term fall protection encompasses a broad spectrum of techniques, equipment, and legislation in hopes to minimize injury and damage due to falls. However, where possible, a fall prevention approach should be taken, eliminating the fall all together. Some examples would include engineering out the hazard or utilizing site fall protection systems (e.g. guardrails).
In its very essence Passive Safety is the name given to a protection measure that does not require the involvement of the person(s) it is designed to protect. It works despite the inclusion of human beings.
This brings us to the key point about passive safety. The requirement for training. Or the lack thereof.
The use of active fall protection systems using PPE inherently requires detailed training due to the increased risks. Passive safety does not have this, and the training consists of something like “Don’t climb over the guardrail” or “Only walk on the designated walkway”.
This removal of risk and training requirements means that the largest cause of falls from heights is removed, that of the human factor.
