Impact-absorbing unit

A method for absorbing the impact of a falling person, e.g. on a building site, is produced by providing a plurality of fall arrest units comprising panels 35, 40 secured together at their periphery so as to retain a predetermined shape of the unit with a substantially flat face, and filled with compressible particles of impact absorbing material, and arranging the units adjacent and in contact so as to provide a continuous surface for the receipt of a falling person. The panels may be of woven polypropylene, secured together by chain overlock stitching to assist shape retention; the filler particles may be expanded polystyrene, and may be in an inner container. Connection of units may be by male 75 and female 80 connectors on handle straps 70, or by hook-and loop fabric.