Toolbox talk · Job site
Rebar and impalement hazards
We have rebar sticking up on this job right now, in footings, walls, and columns. If you trip or fall onto an unprotected bar, it can go right through you. Today we talk about how to keep every bar end covered or bent so nobody gets hurt.
Published 2026-10-23
Key points
- 1Any rebar sticking up that someone could fall onto must be guarded. If you see an open bar end, cover it or tell me right away.
- 2Mushroom caps only protect against scrapes and cuts. When you work above rebar, use rebar covers or troughs rated for impalement, not just plastic caps.
- 3Where the plan allows, bend bar ends over or cut them down so there is nothing pointing up.
- 4Walk the area at the start of the shift and after any pour or move. Caps and covers get knocked off, so put them back.
- 5Keep walkways next to rebar clean of tie wire, scrap, and tools so nobody trips toward the bars.
- 6Watch horizontal bars at face and eye level too, like dowels sticking out of walls. Cap or flag them.
- 7Wear gloves, safety glasses, and your hard hat when handling, cutting, or tying rebar.
Talk it over
- Where on our site right now is there rebar someone could fall onto?
- Do we have enough of the right covers on site, and where are they kept?
- What work this week puts someone above or right next to exposed bars?
Remember
No bare bar ends: cover it, bend it, or call it out.
Also in the other language: Varillas y riesgo de empalamiento
Official sources
Print it with a sign-in sheet
Pro prints every talk on your letterhead with an attendance sheet, records who attended, and emails your foremen this week's talk every Monday.
General information, not legal advice. Templates and examples should be reviewed by a competent person before use. HardHat Binder is not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA.