What is the additional vertical distance a falling worker travels before stopping, excluding lifeline elongation, called?

The additional vertical distance a falling worker travels before stopping, excluding lifeline elongation, is referred to as the impact distance. This term signifies the distance a worker continues to fall after the initiation of a fall until they come to a complete stop, which is primarily due to the deceleration caused by the fall-arrest system. Understanding this term is critical, as it helps in the assessment of how fall protection systems operate and the distances that must be accounted for when setting up safety measures for workers at heights.

In the context of safety measures in fall protection, comprehending impact distance allows workers and safety professionals to ensure that enough clearance is available below a worker to prevent injury in the case of a fall. It emphasizes the importance of considering not just the vertical drop but also the stopping distance that occurs when the fall arrest systems begin to engage. This distinction is essential for planning and implementing effective fall protection strategies.