Force distribution and attenuation device for use in a roof anchor safety system

A safety anchor system for a person comprising:

• a harness adapted to be worn on the body of the person;
• a force distribution device adapted to engage a structural member disposed a distance vertically above the ground;
• and
• a lanyard extending between the harness and the force distribution device;
• and wherein the force distribution device comprises:
• a cable choke selectively engageable with the lanyard;
• and a bearing plate engaged with the cable choke and adapted to engage a portion of the structural member;
• said bearing plate being configured to distribute forces into the structural member that are generated by the weight of the person falling toward the ground.

In combination,

• a roof truss including a truss rafter, said roof truss being disposed a distance above the ground;
• an anchor plate secured to the roof truss;
• a harness adapted to be worn on the body of a roofer;
• a force distribution device selectively engageable with a portion of the roof truss;
• said force distribution device comprising:
• a cable choke secured to the anchor plate;
• a bearing plate engaged with the cable choke and disposed in abutting contact with truss rafter;
• and
• a lanyard extending between the harness and the force distribution device;
• wherein said bearing plate is configured to distribute forces into the truss rafter that are generated by the roofer falling toward the ground.