External Shock Absorber vs. Internal Energy Absorption: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to fall protection, safety lanyards play a critical role in preventing serious injuries. However, not all lanyards are created equal. Two of the most common types are lanyards with external shock absorber packs and those with built-in internal energy absorbers. While both serve the same purpose—reducing the force of a fall—their design differences impact their effectiveness depending on the job site. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between life and death.

Understanding the Role of Energy Absorption in Lanyards

The primary function of a safety lanyard’s energy absorption system is to reduce the impact force exerted on a worker's body and anchorage point during a fall.

🔹 OSHA and ANSI regulations specify that the maximum force a falling worker should experience must not exceed 1,800 pounds (8 kN).
🔹 Energy-absorbing lanyards achieve this by deploying a mechanism that slows down the fall and disperses the energy over a greater period of time.

External Shock Absorber Lanyards: How They Work

Lanyards with shock absorber packs feature an external pack, usually located near the harness connection point, containing a folded webbing or tearing material.

📌 When a fall occurs – The shock pack deploys by tearing or extending the internal webbing, gradually slowing the fall and reducing impact forces.

✅ Advantages:

• High Energy Absorption – Ideal for higher fall-risk environments.

• Easier Inspection – The external pack makes it simple to check for wear and tear or deployment.

• ANSI Compliance – Many shock packs are designed to meet stringent fall clearance and force reduction requirements.

❌ Disadvantages:

• Bulky Design – Can be cumbersome in confined spaces or while climbing.

• More Susceptible to Weather Conditions – Moisture, dirt, and UV rays can degrade the pack over time, requiring frequent inspections.

Internal Energy Absorption Lanyards: How They Work

Internal energy-absorbing lanyards integrate the shock absorption mechanism directly into the lanyard’s webbing, eliminating the need for an external pack.

📌 How it works – This design typically features woven fibers or elastic materials that stretch upon impact to absorb energy and reduce the force of a fall.

✅ Advantages:

• Compact and Lightweight – No bulky shock pack, making them ideal for confined spaces.

• Less Exposure to Environmental Damage – Built-in shock absorption means it's less vulnerable to moisture, dirt, and chemicals.

• Tangle-Free Use – A slim profile reduces the risk of snagging or getting caught on obstacles.

❌ Disadvantages:

• Harder to Inspect – The internal system is less visible, making it harder to determine if it has deployed.

• Potentially Less Energy Absorption – Some internal lanyards may have lower fall clearance requirements, making them unsuitable for high fall-risk environments.

Which Lanyard Type Is Right for Your Job Site?

Choosing between an external shock absorber pack lanyard and an internal energy-absorbing lanyard depends on your specific job site conditions:

Both shock absorber pack lanyards and internal energy absorption lanyards serve the same purpose but cater to different work environments.

✅ If fall clearance and high-impact protection are your priority, an external shock absorber pack lanyard is a better choice.
✅ If compact design, durability, and flexibility are more critical, an internal energy-absorbing lanyard might be the ideal solution.

If you'd like to learn more about shock absorbers and how they work, please check out our blog post about The Science of Energy Absorption in Shock-Absorbing Lanyards!

Regardless of which lanyard type you choose, always ensure that it meets ANSI and OSHA standards, perform regular inspections, and educate workers on proper usage to maintain maximum safety.

📞 Need help selecting the right lanyard for your worksite? Contact our customer happiness team today!

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