It may take a little more time to cap each bar, but isn’t that time well spent compared to the time spent recovering from an impalement injury? Furthermore, OSHA Standards requires that rebar “be guarded to eliminate the hazard of impalement.” 

Despite OSHA’s requirement, it’s important to be aware that not all guards provide that level of protection. In fact, in some circumstances,  the force of a fall can cause rebar to push clear through a plastic cap and still cause impalement. Fall protection/prevention equipment is the first line of defense when employees are working at any height above exposed rebar, but you must still have the rebar guarded to minimize the risk of injury.

Exposed, unguarded rebar is a serious job site hazard and can cause significant bodily harm. Take the time to minimize the opportunity for an injury to occur and cap ‘em!