Installation of rebar on a multilevel residential tower
Generated on: May 11, 2025
The installation of rebar on a multilevel residential tower involves several potential hazards that need to be addressed to ensure worker safety. Here's a risk assessment:
Hazards:
- Falls from Heights: This is a primary concern when working on multi-level structures. Workers can fall from unprotected edges, openings, or while moving between different levels 1, 2, 3, 7.
- Falling Objects: Tools, equipment, or rebar itself can fall and strike workers below [1].
- Structural Instability: Improperly secured rebar or overloading a structure can lead to collapses 6, 12.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: Lifting, carrying, and placing rebar can cause strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
- Impalement Hazards: Protruding rebar can pose a significant impalement risk if workers fall onto it [2].
- Weather Conditions: Wind, rain, or ice can create slippery surfaces and increase the risk of falls or material handling accidents.
- Equipment Hazards: Cranes and other lifting equipment can cause struck-by or caught-between injuries if not operated safely.
Risk Assessment:
- Likelihood: The likelihood of these hazards occurring can vary from possible to likely, depending on the specific task, site conditions, and safety measures in place.
- Severity: The severity of potential injuries ranges from minor cuts and bruises to serious injuries, permanent disabilities, or fatalities.
Control Measures:
- Fall Protection:
- Guardrail Systems: Install guardrails along unprotected edges and openings 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 11.
- Safety Net Systems: Use safety nets to catch workers in case of a fall 1, 2, 3, 7, 9.
- Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): Provide and require the use of PFAS, including harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points 1, 2, 3, 7, 9.
- Ensure proper training on the use and inspection of fall protection equipment.
- Falling Object Protection:
- Securing Loose Items: Secure all tools, equipment, and materials to prevent them from falling [1].
- Overhead Protection: Provide overhead protection for workers below where rebar is being installed [1].
- Toe Boards: Install toe boards on elevated platforms to prevent tools and materials from falling 7, 9, 11.
- Establish a drop zone and implement a "no entry" policy during lifting operations.
- Structural Stability:
- Bracing and Shoring: Use appropriate bracing and shoring to support walls and columns [3].
- Engineer Approval: Obtain written approval from a structural engineer for any modifications that affect the strength of the structure [4].
- Load Limits: Ensure that construction loads do not exceed the structure's capacity [2].
- Ergonomics:
- Proper Lifting Techniques: Train workers on proper lifting techniques to minimize strain.
- Mechanical Aids: Use mechanical aids such as cranes, hoists, and dollies to move heavy rebar bundles.
- Work/Rest Schedules: Implement work/rest schedules to reduce fatigue.
- Impalement Protection:
- Rebar Caps: Use rebar caps or bending the rebar over to eliminate impalement hazards [2].
- Weather Conditions:
- Monitor Weather: Monitor weather conditions and postpone work during high winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions.
- Slip-Resistant Surfaces: Use slip-resistant surfaces and footwear.
- Equipment Safety:
- Qualified Operators: Ensure that all equipment operators are properly trained and certified.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of cranes and other lifting equipment.
- Load Charts: Adhere to load charts and safe lifting practices.
- Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ):
- Establish a CDZ where metal decking is initially being installed 2, 8, 10.
- Limit access to the CDZ to only those employees engaged in leading edge work 8, 10.
- Clearly mark the boundaries of the CDZ with control lines 8, 10, 17.
- Ensure that employees working in the CDZ have completed CDZ training 2, 8, 10, 17.
Monitoring and Review:
- Regularly inspect the work area and equipment to identify and correct hazards.
- Conduct safety meetings to discuss potential hazards and safe work practices.
- Review and update the risk assessment as needed to reflect changes in site conditions or work processes.
- Investigate all incidents and near misses to prevent recurrence.
Specific Recommendations:
- Develop a site-specific erection plan that addresses the unique challenges of the project 1, 19.
- Ensure that all workers are properly trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks 2, 8, 10, 17.
- Enforce strict adherence to all safety regulations and procedures.
- Provide clear communication and coordination between all trades working on the project.
- Establish emergency procedures and ensure that all workers know what to do in case of an accident.
Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.
References
Page links are approximate[1]↑
Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)
Open DocumentPage 821
[2]↑
Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)
Open DocumentPage 765