Protect workers from falls while erecting precast concrete

• Employees must be protected from falls when they are working on erecting precast concrete members.
• Precast concrete erection includes erection of wall panels, columns, beams, and more.

Employees erecting precast concrete members six feet or more above a lower level must be protected from falling by one of the following methods:

• Guardrail systems
• Safety net systems
• Personal fall arrest systems

The exception to selecting one of these methods would be if another provision in 1926.501 provides for an alternative fall protection measure.

Precast concrete erection includes, but is not limited to:

• The erection of wall panels, columns, beams, and floor and roof “tees”; and
• Related operations such as grouting of precast concrete members.

There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with 1926.502(k).