Devices and methods are provided for protecting pipe ends that project upwardly during building construction and for reducing the safety hazard posed by such pipe ends. The devices include a rigid body suitable for positioning on a base on which concrete will be poured, having two opposed end walls, two opposed side walls, a recess therebetween, a top end, a bottom end, and a lateral tab extending from at least one end wall. A shield is securable to at least one side wall for protecting the pipe ends during later construction. In two embodiments, a plate positioned at the bottom end has an opening dimensionally and spatially configured to correspond to each pipe end requiring protection. The method comprises: (a) positioning a device in accordance with the invention on the base so the pipe ends project into the recess and the body forms a barrier between the pipe ends and the concrete slab to be formed; (b) securing the device to the base by inserting a securing structure through each lateral tab; and (d) after the concrete layer has been formed, removing any securing structure from above the surface of the concrete to continue with the construction of the building.