Safety Tips for Working with Concrete
Concrete is the most widely used construction material across the globe, with three tonnes per year being used for every person in the world. This material is strong, durable and highly versatile, but it’s not without its safety risks. Any type of construction work can be dangerous, but concrete poses some additional health and safety issues, including toxic fumes.
If you’re working with concrete or in the construction industry, it’s vital to be aware of proper safety precautions, so read on for some top safety tips for working with concrete.
Protect your skin
Direct contact with wet concrete or cement mixtures can cause skin irritation, severe chemical burns or contact dermatitis, so it’s essential for workers to protect their skin at all times. Waterproof gloves should be worn when handling wet concrete, as well as long sleeved shirts, trousers and waterproof boots.
Lift carefully
Concrete can be incredibly heavy and back injuries are common amongst construction workers. Don’t be tempted to lift too much and always lift with your legs and not your back. Use wheeled carts where possible to transport loads and don’t be afraid to ask for help if the concrete is too heavy!
Protect your eyes
Toxic fumes, dust and loose cement particles can all cause serious damage to the eyes, so it’s important to wear safety goggles at all times. Workers should also avoid wearing contact lenses while on the job, as chemicals and dust can infiltrate underneath and irritate the eyes.
Conduct a hazard assessment
A hazard assessment is used to identify any potential dangers or health and safety risks in order to keep workers safe. Companies should identify any potential risks that may come from working with concrete and ensure there are measures in place to reduce potential harm. This might include ensuring all employees have the right PPE, or clearing a workplace of potential trip hazards when moving heavy blocks of concrete.
If you’re looking for high quality, ready mix concrete for your next construction job, get in touch with the experts at William Thompson & Son. We’re proud to supply concrete to customers throughout Glasgow and Lanarkshire and you’ll only pay for what you use - with no return charges! We offer a full range of standard and specialist concrete solutions, including foamed concrete, porous concrete and high early strength concrete. For more information or to place an order, give us a call today or contact us via the website.
