What is a major drawback of using safety nets as a fall protection system?

Using safety nets as a fall protection system has several considerations, but a significant drawback is that if a worker misses the net during a fall, there is no protection available. This highlights a critical issue with relying solely on nets; they are only effective when the individual falls directly into them. If the fall trajectory does not align with the net's position or if conditions cause the worker to fall outside of the net's reach, the safety feature fails completely. This can lead to severe injuries or fatalities, emphasizing the importance of proper positioning and the necessity of supplementary safety measures.

Other potential issues like expense, need for daily reinstallation, or vulnerability to damage exist, but the direct implication of missing the net represents a unique and immediate risk that underscores the limitations of such systems in comprehensive fall protection strategies.