Construction safety nets – why they’re non-negotiable

When you see construction safety nets stretched beneath the steel framework of a new building, you’re looking at one of the most critical safety systems in construction.

Designed to catch a falling object or individual before serious harm occurs, safety nets are an important measure design to reduce the risk of injury or fatality.

But why exactly are these nets so essential, and what makes them particularly important for steel-frame buildings?

Falls from height remain the leading cause of injury on construction sites.

Safety netting is a collective fall arrest solution rigged beneath high-risk areas such as roofing.

It protects operatives from falls while allowing freedom of movement across structural steel, precast planks, or metal decking.

Unlike individual harnesses, safety nets secure the full team while enabling other trades to work below safely.

Edge protection systems complement the nets by preventing falls before they happen.

These scaffolding-based systems create secure barriers along open edges, reducing the risk of slips or missteps leading to a fall from a height.

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers must prevent falls where possible and minimise the distance and consequences where falls cannot be prevented.

Construction safety nets are the most practical way to comply with these regulations. The way in which a safety net system is rigged and maintained is extremely important and therefore must only be undertaken by trained and competent people.

Collective protective measures like construction safety nets and edge protection systems are preferred over personal protective equipment (PPE) because they protect everyone in the area automatically.

For agricultural buildings with their large span open areas, these systems are often the only feasible way to provide full protection.

Failure to implement proper fall protection isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal.

Prosecutions for inadequate fall protection can result in substantial fines, lost productivity & custom and, in cases involving fatalities, potential imprisonment for company directors.

Agricultural steel-frame buildings present unique challenges that make construction safety nets and edge protection particularly important:

• Large clear spans: Unlike commercial buildings with regular floor plates, agricultural buildings often span 40-80 metres. This creates enormous areas where falls could occur.
• Weather exposure: Rural construction sites are often more exposed to wind and weather, increasing slip and fall risks. Edge protection prevents falls at source, while construction safety nets provide a crucial backup.
• Limited access for emergency services: Agricultural sites are often in remote locations where emergency response times are longer. Collective fall protection helps prevent incidents that could otherwise become medical emergencies.