What system do we choose? 

When it comes to keeping your team safe while working at height, choosing the right trailer fall protection system can make all the difference. Whether you’re servicing dry vans, flatbeds, or specialty trailers, there are several key factors to consider:

• Price: What does a trailer fall protection system cost, and how does it fit into your safety budget?
• Application: Will you be doing roof repairs in-shop or on the road?
• Headroom: Do you have the vertical clearance for overhead systems?
• Trailer Type: Are you servicing standard trailers or specialized equipment like tankers or livestock haulers?
• Team Size: How many technicians will be working at height and need to be trained?

These considerations will guide you toward the system that not only meets OSHA fall protection for trucks but also fits your operational style.

1. Mobile Fall Protection (Eaglehook)

Best For: Companies servicing dry vans and reefers both in the shop and on the road

How It Works: A lightweight mobile unit is placed on top of the trailer. Workers connect to an integrated fall prevention system that restricts movement near trailer edges.

Pros:

• Fall prevention, not just arrest

• Portable and fast to deploy

• Affordable, even when purchasing multiple units

• No need for permanent infrastructure

• Compliant with OSHA and CSA standards

Cons:

• Best suited for standard dry vans, Intermodal trucks, and reefers

2. Cable Systems

Best For: Shops with secure steel infrastructure and standard trailer servicing needs

How It Works: A flexible horizontal lifeline (cable) is mounted overhead. Workers use a lanyard or SRL attached to the cable for fall arrest.

Pros:

• More affordable than rigid rail systems
• Flexible installation in metal buildings
• Works for a range of trailer types

Cons:

• Requires regular tension checks and maintenance
• Limited lateral movement
• Fall arrest only (not fall prevention)

3. Working Platforms (Scaffolding & Roofing Bays)

Best For: Companies with space and a dedicated trailer service bay

How It Works: Platforms or bays provide a physical walking surface and edge protection while working at height.

Pros:

• Provides safe access without needing a harness

• Great for routine maintenance in one location

• Clear boundary edges for safer movement

Cons:

• Requires large, permanent space

• High cost for custom setups

• Limited flexibility; not ideal for roadside work

• 4. Rigid Rail Systems

  Best For: Large shops servicing a wide variety of trailers (e.g., tankers, flatbeds, dry vans)

  How It Works: A fixed overhead rail runs above the work area. Workers attach their trucking harness system to a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) on a trolley that moves along the rail.

  Pros:

  • Excellent mobility and range for workers
  • Low profile; doesn’t interfere with operations
  • Long lifespan with proper maintenance

  Cons:

  • High upfront cost and installation complexity
  • Requires solid structural support
  • Not mobile; only usable in the shop

5. Guardrails

Best For: Flatbed operations and trailers with low edge visibility

How It Works: Physical rails are attached to the trailer to create a visible and protective boundary.

Pros:

• Visually defines the edge clearly
• Can prevent falls before they happen
• Useful for flatbeds and loading docks

Cons:

• Time-consuming to set up and remove
• Not practical for all trailer types
• Doesn’t provide anchorage or tie-off points

Understanding Fall Arrest vs. Fall Prevention

It’s important to know the difference:

• Fall Arrest systems (like cables or rigid rails) allow a fall to occur but stop it safely.

• Fall Prevention systems (like the Eaglehook) are designed to keep workers from reaching the edge in the first place.

Fall prevention is often preferred because it minimizes the chance of injury altogether.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right truck trailer fall protection system depends on your environment, your equipment, and your team. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but if you understand your workflow and weigh the pros and cons, you can make a choice that protects your people and your business.

Need help figuring out what works for you? We’re here to help.