Abstract: A fall arrest apparatus for building construction comprises: a base; a support column comprising one or more interconnecting stanchions, the support column having a proximal end mounted to the base; a boom mast having a proximal end rotatably coupled to a distal end of the support column; a boom operable to support a load, the boom having a proximal end coupled to the boom mast such that a distal end of the boom extends away from the boom mast; and a boom support assembly coupled to the boom and the boom mast such that at least a portion of the load is borne by the boom support assembly when the load is applied to the boom.