Which component of a fall arrest system is designed to absorb shock?

The component of a fall arrest system designed to absorb shock is the fall arrestor. A fall arrestor typically incorporates a mechanism that activates upon a fall, enabling it to gradually decelerate the faller, thereby reducing the forces transmitted to the worker and their anchorage point. This is crucial for preventing injury upon sudden stops, ensuring that the overall impact on the body and the attachment point is minimized.

Lanyards can also provide some degree of shock absorption depending on their design, as they often feature elastic sections to help dissipate energy. However, their primary role is to connect the worker to the anchor point. Retracting lifelines generally provide convenience and mobility but focus on limited free fall and are not specifically designed as shock-absorbing devices. Hardware connectors like hooks and carabiners serve the purpose of linking various components together, but they do not absorb shock themselves. Therefore, the fall arrestor is specifically engineered for the absorption of shock loads that occur during a fall, making it the correct answer.