4 Tips for Staying Safe While Doing Concrete Work
Many standards and regulations are put in place to help keep professionals safe on job sites. Here are some additional pointers for staying safe while doing concrete work.
The construction industry is one that presents many hazards to professionals. Construction work, in particular, comes with its own set of safety concerns that workers must acknowledge. Many standards and regulations are put in place to help keep professionals safe on job sites. Here are some additional pointers for staying safe while doing concrete work.
Protect Your Skin
People outside of the concrete industry may be unaware of the threat of concrete burns. It comes from the abrasive and caustic texture of concrete, which can severely irritate and even burn the skin. This is especially true of fresh concrete. Concrete workers should have their skin covered at all times. Long pants, long sleeve shirts, gloves, and protective eyewear are all necessary components of the uniform. If your skin comes in contact with fresh concrete, you must wash it off immediately.
Another hazard that your workers must be aware of is silica. When working with concrete, silica safety is just as important. This is because your workers could be exposed to crystalline silica, which has been identified as a carcinogen. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has mandated new silica dust controls be implemented by 2021. OSHA has also mandated that medical surveillance of potentially-exposed workers be made available by June 23, 2020; the original final issued back in June 2016 indicated that workers can only be exposed to 50 micrograms of silica dust per cubic meter of air during a typical eight-hour shift.
Watch Your Step
There are many ways that new concrete can pose a tripping hazard. Uneven ground, rebar, and even misplaced tools could all cause a concrete worker to fall and injure themselves. Make sure that all walking paths are kept clear and that workers are especially careful of where they walk. They should also wear rubber boots to protect their feet and create more traction.
Be Careful
The tools associated with concrete work can also pose a safety hazard. They require a combination of safe handling, proper operation, and appropriate storage. Workers should also be wearing hard hats and using the proper grip and technique for the tools. Spotters are also important as they communicate with machine operators about the movement and clearance of the machinery.
Lift Safely
It’s often necessary to lift and move various heavy objects on the job site. Workers must use safe lifting techniques when moving these objects. If necessary, they should also know when it’s better to work in pairs or teams to move certain objects. Before shoveling fresh concrete, workers should be confident that they can lift the amount that was loaded in the shovel. Be careful not to twist the back while lifting to avoid injury. Healthy stretching is also a great practice to start before and after work.
Prioritize Safety with G&M Services
G&M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. We reward our employees for displaying positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meeting to ensure that all involved are aware of how to handle equipment and potential situations that could occur during a project.
G&M Services offers services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning and FireStop. To get started with us, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
