What Does the Term “Mansafe” Really Mean in Modern Fall Protection? 🤔

Many fall protection manufacturers, businesses and contractors use the term MANSAFE to advertise their fall protection services, but please tread carefully for unless this is a LATCHWAYS system then it isn’t a MANSAFE, and that’s a FACT, regardless of what anybody else will tell you.  If you don’t believe fallarrest.com then simply undertake your own Google search but ask ‘who owns the trademark for MANSAFE’.

Our best analogy is Hoover and vacuum cleaners.  Unless you specifically have bought and own a Hoover vacuum cleaner you actually own a vacuum cleaner from a different brand that isn’t Hoover!  This is what unprofessional fall protection businesses do, they attempt to trick the market by using the trademarks of another business to fool consumers into ‘thinking’ that they have a MANSAFE, when they don’t.  Often, not always, but often, and whilst there are some amazing systems out there, the ones that mimic and claim to be MANSAFE are inferior in quality, design and a number of other critical areas.

fallarrest.com has recently been made aware of a misleading article published on LinkedIn by another business within the fall protection industry, and these false claims are extremely alarming!

Over the past 25 years, fall protection technology and standards have advanced dramatically, however, many individuals operating in this specialised field still lack a full understanding of the industry’s history and technical foundations, and this article aims to help marketing teams, managers, and installation contractors distinguish between genuine fall protection manufacturers and those making misleading claims, therefore promoting clarity, safety, and compliance across the industry.

A Continuing Concern! 

We regularly address the ongoing issue of companies, manufacturers, service providers, and contractors alike who are making false or exaggerated claims about the fall protection systems they offer.

One of the most persistent problems lies in the misuse of the term “Mansafe.”  The word is frequently used but rarely understood.  What happens is that irresponsible manufacturers and contractors often exploit this confusion to promote unsafe or non-compliant systems, putting workers’ lives at risk and exposing clients to serious legal and financial liabilities.

The term “Mansafe” has become a generic label for any fall arrest or restraint system despite vast differences in design, purpose, and compliance.  At fallarrest.com, we believe in clarity and confidence when it comes to protecting people working at height, because at the end of the day, it’s not just equipment on the line — it’s lives.

How It Started. 

Before cable-based fall protection became widespread, Latchways introduced the revolutionary Transfastener travel device. According to industry legend, the idea stemmed from a tragic boating accident that inspired the inventor to create a safer, continuous connection.  While the design didn’t succeed in the marine world, it transformed safety in the construction industry.

Latchways’ innovation set a new benchmark for engineered fall protection systems and their “Mansafe” system became synonymous with high-quality fall protection, much like “Hoover” became a household name for vacuum cleaners, the fundamental difference however in this case is that misunderstanding the brand can have life-threatening consequences.

The Problem Today.

Today, many companies misuse the Mansafe name to market inferior or non-compliant systems.

Fact: MANSAFE is a registered trademark of Latchways plc (now MSA Safety Incorporated) in both the UK and US and the trademark covers safety and life-saving equipment.  Installing unapproved systems can void warranties, guarantees, and even insurance coverage.

Fact: Only approved installers are authorised to test genuine MANSAFE systems.

Any business, manufacturer, or contractor suggesting otherwise is being dishonest and that dishonesty endangers lives.  Just recently an organisation, one that claims to be a world-wide leader attempted to undermine our safety efforts by publishing an article filled with falsehoods and misrepresentations.  We won’t name them, but rest assured that their claims are entirely misleading, they know it, we know it, unfortunately many prospective clients don’t, not until it’s too late and the damage has been done.

Ask yourself: is this really the type of company you’d trust with life-saving equipment?

The Bottom Line.

Be cautious. Some manufacturers continue to prioritise profit over safety, exploiting confusion rather than promoting compliance. True responsibility lies in protecting people, not in manipulating the market.  When lives are at stake, there’s no room for marketing spin, only facts, integrity, and certified systems.

To support our point simply Google ‘MANSAFE trademark, and/or we can provide a letter from the manufacturer that explains and confirms the reasons.

1. Patented Trademarks
2. Manufacturer’s Letter

Don’t be misled, because Your life — and your financial liability — depends on it.

It’s also worth noting how some companies have built their entire business models around the products and marketing success of their competitors. A telling observation, indeed.

Images. 

1. Latchways MANSAFE free-standing anchor
2. Simplified Safety (KEE) KeeAnchor
3. Latchways MANSAFE constant force post system
4. Simplified Safety (KEE) KeeLine system

 

For any further advice please do not hesitate to contact us as we are always happy to help.

Images:

1st:  Latchways MANSAFE free standing anchor.

2nd: Simplified Safety (KEE) KeeAnchor.

3rd:  Latchways MANSAFE constant force post system.

4th:  Simplified Safety (KEE) keeline system.