When most people think about fall protection, they picture a worker wearing a harness or a lanyard. But one of the most important parts of the system is often overlooked: the anchor point. Without a safe and reliable anchor, even the best harness won’t prevent a serious accident. At Martin Supply, we know that safety managers face tough decisions every day. You’re tasked with keeping your team safe while balancing budgets, training schedules, and compliance requirements.

Fall protection is one of the most critical areas to get right, and it starts with understanding anchor points.

Why Anchor Points Matter

An anchor point is the secure spot where a worker connects their fall protection system. It could be a fixed structure, like a beam or roof truss, or a specially installed anchor device. Whatever the case, it must be strong enough to support the load of a potential fall. The reason is simple: without a solid anchor, nothing else in the system matters. As Martin Supply Regional Safety Specialist Jim Bell says, “You can have the harness and the lanyard, but if you don’t have a proper anchor point, the whole system fails.”

Common Mistakes with Anchor Points

Through our work with manufacturing plants, warehouses, and construction sites, we see the same issues come up again and again:

• Improper tie-off locations – Workers sometimes tie off to pipes, guardrails, or other structures that aren’t designed to handle the load of a fall.
  
• Too few anchor points – If anchor points aren’t placed where workers actually need them, they’re less likely to use fall protection correctly.
  
• Swing hazards – Anchors positioned too far to the side can create dangerous pendulum swings if a worker falls.
  
• Lack of inspection – Anchors wear out, corrode, or loosen over time. Without regular inspections, they may fail when needed most.

Don’t Forget About Training

Even when anchor points are installed correctly, workers need to understand how to use them. Safety managers should provide hands-on training that explains how to identify approved anchor points, connecting and disconnecting, and why fall clearance and positioning matter. This is why Martin Supply emphasizes not just the equipment, but also building complete safety programs.

Partnering for Safer Workplaces

Choosing the right fall protection solution doesn’t have to be complicated. At Martin Supply, our safety team works with companies to assess their facility, identify anchor point needs, and recommend the best products for their situation. We can also support you with training and ongoing inspections so your team stays compliant and protected.

Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, but they’re also among the most preventable. By focusing on anchor points, you’re not just checking a compliance box. You’re giving your employees the security they need to work with confidence.

To learn how we can help, contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116.