Concrete contractors work at height from the foundation up — setting formwork, tying rebar, pouring elevated slabs, and stripping forms. Each of these activities creates fall hazards that must be addressed in your Fall Protection Plan before the GC will grant site access.
GC safety coordinators pay close attention to concrete contractors' fall protection plans because the work inherently involves open edges, floor openings, and elevated platforms. Your plan needs to address protection during forming, pouring, and stripping — not just the finished structure.
Working on and around elevated formwork systems before concrete is placed. Open edges and incomplete decking create fall exposure.
Tying rebar on elevated slabs, walls, and columns. Workers on rebar mats above 6 feet require fall protection.
Elevator shafts, stairwells, and MEP penetrations remain open during forming and pouring operations.
Removing formwork from elevated slabs and walls exposes workers to falls from the structure and from falling form materials.
Placing precast panels and elements at height with open perimeters and connection work at elevation.
Concrete work is one of the earliest and most fall-intensive scopes on a commercial project. GC safety coordinators will look for how you protect workers during formwork operations, not just after the structure is complete. They expect detailed procedures for forming, pouring, and stripping at each level.
In addition to the 10 standard sections of every SafeDocs Fall Protection Plan, your plan will address these trade-specific elements:
Formwork and shoring fall protection procedures
Elevated pour and rebar tying fall protection
Floor opening protection during and after forming
Form stripping safety at elevation
Precast concrete erection fall protection
Pump and bucket hoist positioning fall zones
Yes. OSHA requires fall protection for any work above 6 feet, including formwork installation. Workers on incomplete decking, walking on form beams, or working near open edges all require fall protection systems in place.
Yes. If your scope includes precast erection, identify that hazard in the form. The plan will include procedures for precast panel placement, connection work at height, and the specific OSHA requirements under 29 CFR 1926.704.