WorkSafe recently attended an incident in Melbourn’e north-east where several 4.5m high steel reinforcement bars for a 7m high x 25m wide culvert at a construction site collapsed. No workers were injured. Temporary bracing had been used to support the bars with no formal design process in place.
Due to the weight, steel reinforcement bars that are not adequately supported or braced can become unstable and collapse, thus presenting a serious risk to workers and the public.
When using temporary bracing or other stability controls, employers should remember –
- Identify hazards and risks related to steel reinforcement stability
- Adequate bracing or support for vertical structure steel reinforcing
- Engage a competent person for design, prior to formwork and concrete placement
- Use appropriate support equipment
- Provide adequate information, instruction, training or supervision for workers for both installation and removal of bracing
- Checks of bracing installation by a competent person
- Regular checks by a competent person to ensure any changes are safe and that design plans or drawings reflect changes
Read more: Collapse of reinforcement bars during culvert construction | WorkSafe Victoria