This study was undertaken to determine the impact of a retractable-strap fall-arrest device on linemen’s work practices. The perceived difficulty of overcoming obstacles and the time required to do so was therefore measured under various conditions, with and without the use of the fall-arrest device in combination with the positioning strap commonly used by linemen. The strategy which maximizes safety and ease of use consists of using the conventional strap when climbing and the retractable strap when overcoming obstacles. Because of these advantages, most linemen should find the strategy acceptable and adopt it. The increased time required to overcome obstacles appears to be only a minor inconvenience.