Final answer:
Steel cables do have a small amount of elasticity, but this is usually insufficient to reduce arrest forces in a fall, which is why additional shock-absorbing components are typically integrated into fall arrest systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a steel cable will not stretch, resulting in massive arrest forces being placed on the worker and their equipment regardless of the free fall distance, is False. While it's true that steel cables are much less elastic than materials like nylon or rubber, they do have a small amount of elasticity. This means they can stretch somewhat under extreme forces, such as those experienced during a fall. However, this stretch is normally not sufficient to significantly reduce the forces experienced by the worker in a fall arrest situation. Therefore, fall arrest systems often include additional components, such as shock absorbers, to help dissipate energy and reduce the arrest forces on the worker.