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DOL/OSHA

RIN: 1218-AC51

Publication ID: 2012

Title: Reinforced Concrete in Construction and Preventing Backover Injuries and Fatalities
Abstract: OSHA is requesting information on employee safety risks in two areas, reinforcing operations in concrete work (construction only) and fatal backovers by vehicles and equipment (all industries). Current rules regarding reinforcing steel and post-tensioning activities may not adequately address worker hazards in work related to post-tensioning and reinforcing steel. Both are techniques for reinforcing concrete and are generally used in many types of construction. OSHA currently has few rules which address the steel reinforcing and post-tensioning activities directly. The few rules that do exist are found in subpart Q - Concrete and Masonry Construction of 29 CFR 1926. OSHA IMIS data indicates that 33 workers died while performing work on or near post-tensioning operations or reinforcing steel between 2000 and 2009. The use of reinforced steel and post-tensioned poured in place concrete in commercial and industrial construction is expected to rise. Without adequate standards, the number of incidents may rise as well. Currently, workers performing steel reinforcing suffer injuries caused by unsafe material handling, structural collapse, and impalement by protruding reinforcing steel dowels, among other causes. Employees involved in post-tensioning activities are at risk for incidents caused by the misuse of post-tensioning equipment and improper training. Injuries and fatalities caused by backing incidents are also of concern. Backing vehicles and equipment are common causes of struck-by injuries and can also cause caught between injuries when backing vehicles and equipment pin a worker against something else. NIOSH reports that 51% of worker on foot fatalities that occurred within a highway work zone involved backing vehicles. Emerging technologies in the field of backing operations may prevent incidents. These technologies include cameras and proximity detection systems. The use of spotters and internal traffic control plans can also make backing operations safer. Struck-by injuries and caught between injuries are two of the four leading causes of workplace fatalities. OSHA IMIS data indicates that, between 2005 and 2010, over 350 workers have died as a result of backing incidents. While backing incidents can prove fatal, workers can suffer severe, non-fatal injuries as well. A review of OSHA's IMIS database found that backing incidents can result in serious injury to the back and pelvis, fractured bones, concussions, amputations, and other injuries. OSHA believes that it is necessary to request information from those involved in the reinforcing concrete industry, backing operations, and the general public to better understand how to prevent these incidents.
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Prerule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Request for Information	03/29/2012	77 FR 18973
Comment Period End	07/27/2012
Analyze Comments	02/00/2013

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined	Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Small Entities Affected: Businesses	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No
Agency Contact: Dean McKenzie Director, Directorate of Construction Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room N-3468, Washington, DC 20210 Phone:202 693-2020 Fax:202 693-1689 Email: mckenzie.dean@dol.gov