For fall arrest, the anchor point should always be kept ? the rear fall arrest attachment

• A. Below
• B. To the side of
• C. In front of
• D. Above

Answer: (D)

In fall arrest, you want the arrest line to stop you along a vertical path with minimal sideways movement. Keeping the anchor point above the rear (dorsal) fall arrest attachment makes the lanyard run straight down from the harness to the anchor. This alignment directs the stopping force along the body’s vertical axis, reduces swing or pendulum motion, and helps prevent the line from snagging on the body or obstacles. It also allows the energy absorber to engage in a controlled, predictable way.

If the anchor were below or off to the side or in front, the line would pull at angles, increasing side forces, causing more swing or rotation, and raising the risk of contacting obstacles or loading the body with higher peak forces.