Lanyards are usually thought of as ID holders, but they also play a part in workplace safety. The right lanyard keeps essential items to hand in an emergency, makes people visible, and, with the right clip, removes the risk of something around the neck getting caught. Here is how to choose lanyards with safety in mind.
Keep essential items within reach
When something goes wrong, the items you need are often the ones you can’t find: a key to an emergency exit, a torch, a whistle, an access card. Keeping them on a lanyard means they are always with you. That is especially useful for:
- Caretakers and site managers carrying master keys
- Stewards and lifeguards with whistles
- Security staff with access cards and radios
- Workers who need to swipe through secure doors quickly
For frequently used cards, a retractable badge reel lets people swipe without removing the card.
Safety breakaways: the most important feature
Anything worn around the neck can catch on machinery, door handles, vehicles or play equipment. A safety breakaway clip releases the lanyard when it is pulled, so the wearer isn’t held or choked. We recommend breakaways for:
- Factories, warehouses and workshops
- Schools, nurseries and anyone under 16
- Hospitals and care settings
- Public events and crowded venues
Around rotating machinery, check your own risk assessment: some workplaces don’t allow neck lanyards at all and use badge reels or clip-on ID instead.
Be seen: reflective lanyards
For anyone working near traffic, in car parks, on construction sites or after dark, reflective lanyards add visibility. A reflective strip runs along the strap and reflects light from headlamps and torches. They complement, rather than replace, proper hi-vis clothing.
Identify safety roles instantly
In an emergency, people need to find the right person fast. Dedicated lanyards for first aiders, fire marshals and security make safety roles visible across a building or site.
Control who is on site
Colour-coded lanyards for staff, visitors and contractors help you know who is on site and who might need help in an evacuation. Visitors without the right lanyard stand out immediately.
Choose durable materials
A lanyard that frays or a clip that fails can drop keys or cards when they are needed most. Choose a good-quality strap, such as flat polyester or woven, with a sturdy metal clip, and replace worn lanyards regularly.
Safety lanyard checklist
- Assess where lanyards will be worn and the risks there.
- Specify safety breakaways wherever there is a catching risk.
- Use reflective lanyards for outdoor and low-light work.
- Mark first aiders, fire marshals and security clearly.
- Colour-code staff, visitors and contractors.
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