Abstract: The present invention provides a device for lowering a weight from a structure, the device comprising: a first elongate element (10) that is secured via a fixing (16) to a stable structure, for example the structure from which a weight is to be lowered; a second elongate member (12) that extends parallel to the first member (10) and is joined thereto by a series of equally-spaced links or links (14), thereby giving the appearance of a ladder. A weight to be lowered is secured to the top of the second member (12) by a connection, which could be a clamp onto which a harness is secured; alternatively, the harness could be made integral with the second elongate member (12). The links (14) are made of a ductile polymer material and the links successively stretch and fail, thereby lowering the weight controllably. The invention also finds application as an energy absorbing element, which uses the same method to safely control and cease a motion, such as a person's fall.