Apparatus for limiting the amount of force applied to a cable of a hoist by applying a force on clutch plates which are operatively joined to rotatable plates so that there is relative rotation between the clutch plates and the rotatable place when a force, equivalent to that placed on the clutch plates, is placed on the load supporting end of the cable. A fall arresting device is also provided having arresting apparatus for applying a force to rotate a shaft in a clockwise direction and for permitting controlled rotation of the shaft in a counter-clockwise direction but arresting uncontrolled rotation of the shaft in a counter-clockwise direction.