Why nets are better than harnesses

Safety Nets Are the Smarter, Faster Choice for Roofing Work

When it comes to fall protection in roofing, the conversation is often dominated by harnesses and static lines. While these systems have their place, more and more contractors are realising that safety nets offer a safer, faster, and more efficient alternative, especially for larger-scale or time-sensitive roofing jobs.

Here’s why safety nets make sense:

1. Improved Efficiency On Site

Harness systems require workers to constantly clip and unclip from the static line as they move along the roof. This not only slows progress but also creates opportunities for error, particularly when workers forget to reattach themselves or become frustrated by the restriction.

With safety nets, there’s no need to interrupt workflow. Workers can move freely across the roof, maintain momentum, and complete the job faster without compromising on safety.

2. No Risk of Harness Trauma

One of the lesser-known risks of harness systems is suspension trauma, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when a person remains hanging in a harness after a fall. Safety nets eliminate this risk by providing a collective fall protection system that stops the fall at a much lower height, allowing the person to land gently in the net rather than hang suspended.

3. Better Coverage, Less Reliance on Worker Behaviour

Safety nets don’t rely on workers remembering to hook on. Once installed, they provide passive fall protection to everyone working above them, without requiring individual action. This reduces the potential for human error and gives supervisors peace of mind that the entire team is protected at all times.

4. Ideal for Commercial Projects

Whether it’s a new build or re-roof, safety nets are versatile and quick to install. They’re particularly suited to large open-roof commercial projects, where multiple workers need to move freely and get the job done efficiently.

Conclusion

While harnesses and static lines may still be appropriate in some situations, safety nets offer a modern, proactive approach to fall protection that puts speed, safety, and simplicity at the forefront. At Safety Nets NZ, we’ve seen firsthand how switching to nets can reduce downtime, improve site morale, and get your project over the line faster, safely.

Want to know more about how safety nets could benefit your next project? Contact us today for a site assessment or quote.