Pole hoists have two arms that can be positioned at various angles to protect or retrieve workers during vertical or horizontal entry into confined spaces. Pole hoists allow an attendant to retrieve an incapacitated worker without the use of an overhead anchor point. The base sits on the ground and the extension arm connects to an anchor point and is positioned over or next to an entry point. A bracket accepts a compatible winch or self-retracting lifeline (SRL). System components are compatible with pole hoists and mast arms of the same brand and series.