Precast concrete safety requirements

Adequately supported means the unit must be held so it cannot overturn or collapse until it is permanently connected. Employers must ensure temporary supports, bracing, or shores keep the member stable during erection so it will not tip or fall before final connections are made (1926.704(a)).

• Plan supports and bracing to resist overturning and collapse under expected loads (self-weight, rigging, wind, handling).
• Use engineered or manufacturer-recommended temporary bracing when needed.
• Inspect supports and bracing regularly while the member remains temporarily supported.

Lifting inserts in tilt-up precast concrete members must be able to support at least two times the maximum intended load. Employers must ensure inserts and their attachments meet that 2× capacity requirement before lifting (1926.704(b)).

• "Maximum intended load" includes the weight of the panel plus rigging and any anticipated dynamic or environmental loads during the lift.

Lifting inserts embedded in precast concrete members other than tilt‑up members must be able to support at least four times the maximum intended load. Employers must confirm these inserts meet the 4× capacity requirement before use (1926.704(c)).

• The higher factor recognizes differences in how those members are handled and reduces the risk of insert failure.

Lifting hardware must be capable of supporting at least five times the maximum intended load applied to the hardware. Employers must select slings, shackles, hooks, and related rigging rated to at least 5× the expected load (1926.704(d)).

• This 5× requirement applies to the hardware itself (separate from embedded inserts).

Only those employees who are required for the erection of the precast members may be under members being lifted or tilted; all other employees must be kept clear (1926.704(e)).

• Employers should limit personnel exposure by planning tasks so nonessential workers stay out of the drop and swing zones.
• Provide clear spotter assignments and exclusion zones during lifts.

You must base the maximum intended load on the total weight and forces the member and rigging will see during handling—this includes the concrete unit weight, the weight of any attached components and rigging, and anticipated dynamic loads from lifting, tilting, or wind. Use that figure when applying the safety factors in 1926.704(b)–(d).

• Consider dynamic effects (accelerations), angled lifts, and temporary attachments when calculating the load.
• When in doubt, consult an engineer or the manufacturer to verify the calculated maximum intended load.

Yes—if the manufacturer or supplier provides documentation or rated capacities showing the insert or hardware meets the required safety factor for the intended load, an employer may rely on those ratings; however, the employer is responsible for ensuring the equipment is properly installed and used so the rated capacity is achieved (1926.704(b)–(d)).

• Keep manufacturer certificates, load ratings, and installation instructions on file.
• If installation differs from the manufacturer instructions, have a qualified person verify the capacity.

Lifting inserts are embedded or otherwise attached parts of the concrete member (anchors or embedded fittings); lifting hardware refers to the rigging components (slings, shackles, hooks, etc.) used to lift the member. The standard assigns different required safety factors: inserts for tilt‑up members require 2×, inserts for other precast members require 4×, and lifting hardware requires 5× the maximum intended load (1926.704(b)–(d)).

• Treat both elements as a system: both the embedded insert and the rigging must meet their respective factors.

No—1926.704 sets required capacity factors but does not prescribe specific test methods; employers must ensure through appropriate means (manufacturer certification, engineering analysis, or load testing) that inserts meet the required factors in 1926.704(b)–(d).

• When testing is needed, use qualified engineers and industry-accepted test procedures and keep records of tests and certifications.
• Conduct inspections of inserts before lifts to ensure proper installation and no visible damage.

Yes—until permanent connections are completed, precast wall units, structural framing, and tilt‑up panels must be adequately supported (for example with temporary braces) to prevent overturning and collapse (1926.704(a)).

• Keep temporary supports in place and monitored until permanent anchors, grout, welding or other final connections provide the full structural support.

Employers should restrict access with exclusion zones and only allow those employees essential for erection beneath the member, per 1926.704(e). Implement work planning, spotters, barriers, and communication to enforce the exclusion.

• Use physical barriers, signage, and a designated signal person during lifts.
• Assign responsibilities so only trained, essential workers enter the area when required.

Do not use damaged inserts or hardware; remove them from service and replace or repair so the component meets the required capacities in 1926.704(b)–(d). Conduct a qualified evaluation to determine whether the component can be restored to full capacity and document the evaluation.

• Tag out and quarantine damaged rigging.
• Have a qualified person assess repairs or replacements and re-certify capacity before returning the component to service.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that lifting inserts and hardware meet the required safety factors and for implementing procedures to verify capacity, inspection, and proper installation in accordance with 1926.704(b)–(d).

• The employer should use qualified personnel or engineers to evaluate lifting systems and retain documentation of ratings and inspections.

Yes—employers must assess the hazards of a lifting operation, identify controls (including proper inserts, rigging, exclusion zones, and PPE) and document certification where required; OSHA guidance explains employers must assess workplaces to determine hazards and select appropriate protections (1926.704(a)–(e)). For general requirements on hazard assessments and PPE selection, see OSHA's interpretation on PPE hazard assessment (PPE hazard assessment requirements).

• The assessment should identify who is essential beneath the load, types of rigging required, and any environmental or job-specific risks.

If wind or other environmental forces could cause overturning or collapse, employers must provide adequate support (which can include guying or counterweights) so the member remains stable until permanent connections are completed, consistent with 1926.704(a).

• Plan lifts with weather in mind; halt tilting operations when conditions exceed the safe criteria established in the lift plan.

The employer controlling the work area and responsible for the lift must ensure inserts are correctly installed and meet the required factors; if a subcontractor installed them incorrectly, the employer must have them corrected and re‑verified before lifting to comply with 1926.704(b)–(d).

• A qualified person should inspect and certify the installation and capacity prior to any lifting operation.

Yes—1926.704 requires a 2× capacity for inserts in tilt‑up members, 4× for inserts in other precast members, and 5× for lifting hardware; the differences reflect the standard's recognition of varying handling conditions and the need for greater margins on certain components (1926.704(b)–(d)).

• Follow the specific factor that applies to the component you are using (tilt‑up insert vs. other precast insert vs. rigging hardware).