Rebar Safety
Date Posted: 08/29/2016
Rebar is used on almost every job site. All protruding rebar is hazardous. Employees can fall on protruding rebar, creating major and even life-threatening injuries.
Rebar Hazards
Utilizing rebar on the job can cause the following tripping/impalement hazards when the following occurs:
Concrete formwork pins are protruding at low levels
Concrete footing rebar are protruding into walking spaces
Rebar is protruding from concrete foundation work
Rebar scraps are left lying about the jobsite
Personal Protective Equipment
Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling and tying rebar
Rebar is rusty. Flush cuts with water or peroxide, cover and see a physician
Tuck in shoestrings and pant legs to prevent hang-ups when walking through flatwork
Best Practices
All jobsite employees should be trained to recognize when rebar becomes a hazard.
Routinely pick up scrap rebar to prevent trip hazards.
When caps are not available, bend rebar over or cap with a 2x4 “L” to protect employees from injury.
When rebar is being hoisted “stay clear”. Rebar can easily slip out of mats and cages.
Cover exposed rebar with the correct protective cap.
Cap all rebar that someone could fall on.
If a cap can be fitted on the exposed rebar, then cap it. If you can fall on the rebar, then cap it. If it fits in a cap, then cap it. (i.e. steel grade stakes)
Presenter tips
Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic.
Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site.
Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.
Questions for Discussion
What to do if someone is impaled on rebar?
Should we cap rebar next to elevated heights?
