817 Steel Erection Safety

Overhead Hazards

Overhead hazards are a serious risk for employees involved in steel erection. One of the most common dangers is loose items that have been left unsecured aloft.

These items—including tools, bolts, or other materials—can fall unexpectedly and seriously injure workers below. Even small objects dropped from a height can cause serious injury or death. Additional information for overhead hazards can be found in OSHA Standard 1926.759, Falling object protection.

Falling Object Protection

To protect workers from these hazards, the following safety measures must be implemented as part of the site-specific erection plan:

• Securing Loose Items Aloft: All tools, equipment, and materials that are not in use must be properly secured when working at height. This helps prevent objects from being dislodged by wind, vibration, or movement.
• Tool Tethering Systems: When practical, tools should be attached to the worker using tethers to prevent accidental drops.
• Regular Housekeeping: Work areas aloft should be inspected regularly to ensure that no loose debris or unused materials are left in areas where they could fall.

Protection for Workers Below

In addition to securing items at height, employers must take steps to protect employees working underneath steel erection operations:

• Blocking Off Work Areas Below: The controlling contractor must prevent other construction activities from taking place in areas directly beneath steel erection work unless proper overhead protection is provided.
• Using Overhead Protection: If work must continue below, overhead protection such as debris nets, canopies, or catch platforms must be installed to prevent falling objects from striking workers.

These procedures are essential for preventing injuries and keeping the job site safe. Falling object protection is not only a best practice—it's a critical part of complying with OSHA's steel erection standards.

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