# Rebar and impalement hazards

URL: https://hardhatbinder.com/en/toolbox-talks/rebar-impalement
Last updated: 2026-10-23

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.

## Key points

1. Any 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.
2. Mushroom caps only protect against scrapes and cuts. When you work above rebar, use rebar covers or troughs rated for impalement, not just plastic caps.
3. Where the plan allows, bend bar ends over or cut them down so there is nothing pointing up.
4. Walk the area at the start of the shift and after any pour or move. Caps and covers get knocked off, so put them back.
5. Keep walkways next to rebar clean of tie wire, scrap, and tools so nobody trips toward the bars.
6. Watch horizontal bars at face and eye level too, like dowels sticking out of walls. Cap or flag them.
7. Wear 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.

## Official sources

- [29 CFR 1926.701](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.701) — Concrete and masonry — general requirements

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Source: HardHat Binder, operated by Leadspire LLC. Templates to be reviewed by a competent person before use; not legal advice; not affiliated with OSHA.