The short answer is: Yes.there are safe methods for falling. The several methods depending on the fall are worthwhile to learn in my opinion, but they all require practice and training to do effectively.

I'm not sure a thumbnail version is advisable, but I think that there are two things that are pretty urgent to know. First protect your head no matter what. That mostly means "don't hit your head"; pretty simple really. Number two, do not try to break your fall with your hands extending your arms. Or with your elbows. The only break-fall using your hands and arms to take the shock is straight forward flat on your face: hands in front of your nose, hands and forearms hitting the ground together, elbows bent and pointing out.