Abstract: A fall arrest belt assembly attaches to the body belt of a climber who climbs wooden utility poles or trees. The belt assembly has an outer strap to fit around the pole, an elastic cross strap to pull the outer belt against the pole, and a safety device on the outer strap. The safety device has a large tooth that is normally latched in a recessed or closed position. If the climber falls, a barb on the tooth pulls the tooth to an open position, assisted by a spring which helps deploy the tooth and hold it open. The tooth penetrates the pole and prevents falling. A pair of balls on the cross strap prevent abrasion of the cross strap on the pole.