Steel Erection

Ironworkers are 10 times more likely to die from a fall than workers in any other construction occupation. The most frequently cited serious OSHA violations involving steel erection are fall protection, fall hazard training, and fall protection for connectors.

OSHA-required fall protection for steel workers includes the following:

• Each employee engaged in a steel erection activity who is on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge more than 15 feet above a lower level must be protected from fall hazards by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems, or fall restraint systems.
• On multi-story structures, perimeter safety cables must be installed at the final interior and exterior perimeters of the floors as soon as the metal decking has been installed.
• Connectors working in controlled decking zones must meet the following criteria:
  • Be protected from fall hazards of more than two stories or 30 feet above a lower level, whichever is less
  • Have completed connector training
  • Be provided, at heights over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level, with a personal fall arrest system, positioning device system, or fall restraint system, and wear the equipment necessary to be able to be tied off or be provided with other means of protection from fall hazards that meets the criteria of 1926 Subpart R.
• A controlled decking zone may be established in that area of the structure over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level where metal decking is initially being installed and forms the leading edge of a work area. Consult the regulation for extensive guidance on CDZ requirements.
• Guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems, and their components must conform to the criteria in §1926.502 (Subpart M, Fall Protection).

To learn more about Fall Protection visit our Construction Fall Protection Online Training web page.