Rebar (Reinforcing) Ironworkers

Reinforcing ironworkers (“rodbusters”) place and tie rebar for concrete. Impalement, falls from rebar walls and columns, and back injuries from bending over all day are the major risks.

• Construction

Top hazards

• Impalement on protruding rebar
• Falls while tying vertical walls and columns
• Collapse of unbraced rebar walls and columns
• Back injuries from stooping and lifting bundles
• Hand cuts and pinches

Key practices

• Guard all protruding rebar that workers could fall onto. Use impalement-rated caps or troughs; plastic “mushroom” caps only prevent scratches.
• Use fall protection when working 6 feet or more above a lower level on rebar assemblies, typically a positioning device system.
• Brace rebar walls and columns so they can’t topple, per an engineered plan when needed.
• Use rebar tying tools and stand-up tiers to reduce stooping; team lift or hoist bundles.

Impalement protection

A worker who falls onto an unguarded vertical bar can suffer fatal injuries. OSHA requires protruding reinforcing steel to be guarded so workers can’t be impaled.

• Impalement-rated caps and covers have been tested to resist a falling worker. Look for the rating on the label.
• Troughs (wood or plastic channels) cover a whole row of bars.
• Bending the bars over where the design allows.
• Small orange mushroom caps only prevent scratches; they don’t stop impalement.

Rebar walls and columns

• Tall rebar cages and walls can topple in wind or when climbed. They need guy wires or braces, often designed by an engineer.
• Don’t climb a cage that isn’t braced.
• Use a positioning device (a lanyard around the bars attached to side D-rings) so you can work hands-free, plus fall arrest where required.

Protecting your back

• Tying deck steel means bending over for hours. Use stand-up tying tools or battery tiers.
• Lift bundles with cranes or forklifts, not by hand.
• Carry long bars with a partner, and watch the ends near power lines and coworkers.
• Stretch and rotate tasks. See Lifting & Ergonomics.

Daily checklist

• All protruding bars capped or troughed with impalement-rated protection
• Walls and columns braced
• Positioning and fall arrest gear inspected
• Gloves and eye protection on
• Rigging for bundles inspected

Last updated: October 1, 2026