Tilt-Up construction continues to lead in growth as a building solution due its advantages of efficiency, economy and effectiveness. In fact, Tilt-Up construction has grown at an annual volume of more than a quarter billion square feet of wall, outperforming the general building industry during the past decade. Market growth, however, means that people are entering this field at a rapid rate, requiring increased attention to safety — another long recognized benefit of Tilt-Up.

Despite the obvious safety considerations of erecting massive concrete wall panels with large mobile cranes, Tilt-Up construction offers great safety for crews. Since the floor slab is cast first as it is the primary casting surface for the wall panels, a sold dry work area is created for the building trades. In addition, constructing the framework on the ground eliminates the need for scaffolding, further increasing worker safety. Overall, site-cast Tilt-Up construction is recognized as a reliable and safe building method, if utilized in conjunction with good planning and a solid safety program.

Before a Project Begins
For Tilt-Up crews to take advantage of the benefits of speed and economy inherent in the site-cast Tilt-Up process, safety programs and guidelines must be enforced. Since a comprehensive safety program goes well beyond what to do and not do in the field, it must begin in the office before any workers even go to the field. For example, your safety program should include a review of all subcontractors, contracts and purchase orders — allowing you to address safety concerns and attribute responsibilities. Further, ongoing training is essential, which necessitates actually bringing the training to the crews in the field.

The key for a safety program in a Tilt-Up firm is a site-specific safety plan. A site-specific safety plan for each project should include the sequence of Tilt-Up activity. What panels are you setting first? Which will be difficult picks? The safety plan should cover crane selection and placement. The crane should be the right size for the job, inspected annually and handled by a certified operator. Be sure to address the critical lift plan with regard to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and obtain the crane operator's certification and medical card before he or she arrives on the job. Also be sure crane maintenance records are updated and on-hand. The safety plan should also incorporate all known hazards and utilities surrounding as well as on or through the site. Items like power lines, fiber-optic cables, water mains and sewer lines all can impact the safety on the site throughout the process.

The Tilt-Up safety plan also should include a description of the special procedures required for hazardous non-routine tasks, such as design equipment, brace removal and inspections. Who determines when to remove the brace?