Concrete work is physically demanding and carries a high risk of injury. Over 250,000 people work with concrete daily, and about 28,000 are injured each year.
What Are Some Hazards of Working With Concrete?
Here are a few common hazards of working with concrete, both dry and wet.
- Dry Concrete Hazards
Dry concrete can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It can also burn the skin, causing irritation, cracks, or thickening.Breathing in dust from dry concrete for a long time can cause serious lung problems like silicosis or lung cancer.
- Wet Concrete Hazards
Wet concrete can cause skin irritation and even chemical burns if it comes in contact with the skin for too long.Another hazard that includes dealing with wet concrete is poor ergonomics, such as improper lifting, awkward postures, and repetitive motions that can lead to sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal injuries.
Concrete Work Safety Practices
If you are someone who works with concrete on a daily basis, here are some safety steps that can prevent and reduce the risk of injuries.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Make sure you are wearing heavy duty waterproof gloves and slip resistant boots.
- Gloves should be long enough to protect your arms till your elbow.
- Boots should be long enough to protect your legs.
- If your task involves kneeling, make sure you protect your knees at all times.
- Wear safety glasses at all times to prevent concrete splashing.
Concrete Placement
- Be careful when stepping on forms and rebar; they may not hold your weight.
- Watch for pinch points when using a concrete bucket.
- Always communicate well with the concrete pump operator.
- If a rebar cap falls off, put it back on right away.
- Look out for tripping hazards hidden in the concrete.
- When placing concrete on higher levels, always use proper fall protection.
Finishing Concrete
- If you are using a bull float, make sure there are no electrical hazards above you.
- If you are using chemicals, make sure to read the safety instruction sheet to stay informed.
- If dried concrete is creating dust, do not breathe it. Use the right protective gear like respirators or masks to avoid breathing silica.
- When you are pulling vertical forms, make sure warning signs are used to alert others about dangers.
- If you are operating a power trowel, it should have a dead man’s switch, meaning the machine should stop automatically when you let it go.
Safety For Poor Ergonomics
- Use hand trucks or forklifts mostly.
- Utilize proper lifting techniques.
- Ask for help when needed.
- Avoid twisting while carrying load to prevent muscle injuries.
- Keep the floors or work areas clear to avoid tripping.
General Precautions
- Eat or drink in dust free areas to avoid harmful ingestion.
- Communicate with supervisors if you sense a hazard.
- Help your co-workers when needed.
- Understand how to operate tools before using them.
- Make sure your equipment works properly prior to every project.
- Never put excess load on hoists or cranes.
- Make sure your vehicles have audible warning signs.
Final Words
If you happen to work on large scale projects that involve concrete pouring, taking the right precautions is important like wearing safety equipment, operating tools and much more.
At QRCS, we ensure the safety of our workers and public. Call us for more information at (832) 263-0152.