Concrete Work Toolbox Talk
Learn the hazards, precautions, and best safety practices for concrete work in construction.
Concrete Work Safety Talk
Concrete work is a very hard and physically demanding job that can result in lots of injuries because of the many hazards it presents. There are more than 250,000 people who work with concrete everyday and of those around 28,000 are injured each year.
Hazards of Concrete Work
There are several hazards that can pose a risk to employees working with concrete, it does not matter if it is dry or wet concrete.
Dry Concrete
Dry concrete can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and upper respiratory system. Skin contact may result in "concrete burns" and ailments ranging from moderate irritation to thickening or even cracking of the skin. If employees are exposed to silica dust for long periods of time they also run the risk of developing silicosis and/ or lung cancer.
Wet Concrete
Wet concrete can still pose health hazards if you have overexposure. So always use precautions around both dry and wet.
Poor Ergonomics
When working with concrete other health hazards can develop that most workers do not normally expect. Improper lifting, awkward postures, and repetitive motion can often lead to sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Concrete Dangers
Concrete construction accidents can happen in many different ways, When working on or around concrete you have to continually be vigilant and safe. Some common mishaps that can cause an accident with concrete include:
Most of these accidents are pure chance but the risk is still there and the risk increases if employees are not paying attention and are negligent.
Concrete Work Safety Practices
Concrete is used on most construction sites and some hazards come along with forming, placing, and finishing concrete. Hazards can come by being exposed to concrete dust as well as wet concrete, machine guarding, and falling objects. Some ways to protects yourself include:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Concrete Placement
Finishing Concrete
Minimize Poor Ergonomics
General Precautions
Manufacturing Concrete Hazards
Manufacturing concrete can pose health and safety risks for all workers involved also. The most common OSHA citations are:
If you are working in and around the manufacturing of concrete make sure you know the OSHA standards to keep yourself and fellow coworkers safe.
What To Do If Exposed To Concrete
If you follow all safety precautions and you still are exposed to hazards involving concrete there are some things you should do:
In Conclusion
Construction workers or concrete contractors working with concrete may be exposed to several different hazards throughout the process. They must be aware of the necessary precautions and know how to implement these precautions in everyday work. Should you have a safety concern please let your supervisor know or should an injury occur report it as soon as possible.
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