Raising the bar on fall protection

By Jesse Sanchez.

Redefining fall protection with innovative solutions, real-world training and a mission to prevent job site fatalities.

At the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2025, safety was at the forefront of many discussions, and no one expressed it better than Nicole Waters, director of sales at Leading Edge Safety. In a conversation with Megan Ellsworth, Nicole detailed the company’s mission to enhance fall protection and workplace safety.

“Leading Edge Safety is the trusted fall protection manufacturer,” Nicole said, noting the company’s role in safeguarding workers in an industry where falls remain the leading cause of fatalities. The company is well known for its Mobile Fall Protection cart line, particularly the widely recognized Raptor carts, which have set the standard in job site safety.

While the company’s fall protection carts have been a staple in the industry, its dedication to addressing all aspects of fall safety is what sets it apart. “We cover all parts of the hierarchy of fall protection — elimination, passive systems, fall restraint and fall arrest,” Nicole explained. This holistic approach ensures that every stage of fall prevention is covered, from mitigating hazards to responding effectively when an incident occurs.

A standout innovation from Leading Edge Safety is its rescue wench system, a simplified and affordable solution for responding to falls. “For less than $2,000, you can walk away with all the equipment needed to perform a rescue,” Nicole noted, expressing the company’s commitment to making safety accessible. The company also provides instructional manuals that enable businesses to develop comprehensive fall protection rescue plans, along with training videos to educate workers on best practices.

Perhaps most compelling is the origin story of Leading Edge Safety. The company was founded by Brent Smith, a roofer who witnessed a tragic fall and set out to develop life-saving solutions. This firsthand experience has driven the company’s mission to eliminate preventable fatalities through innovation and education.

Attendees at IRE 2025 were also given a rare opportunity to witness fall protection technology in action. “For the first time ever at IRE, we’re getting to see true drop demos,” Nicole shared. The demonstrations showcased how Leading Edge Safety’s Mobile Fall Protection carts function in real-life scenarios, illustrating how the system engages only when necessary to prevent injuries and fatalities.

The company’s presence at IRE reinforced its status as a leader in roofers fall protection. With a philosophy rooted in personal experience and a commitment to simplifying complex safety measures, Leading Edge Safety continues to set the bar for workplace protection. As Nicole put it, “We’re taking the first steps, so you don’t take your last.”

Watch the full interview to learn more about securing safety at heights and how Leading Edge Safety is revolutionizing fall protection!