Concrete work is a very demanding task that should only be handled by those who know what they are doing. If you are not experienced in this area, it is important to take the time to learn about the proper safety procedures before getting started. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 tips for conducting concrete work safely. Following these tips will help keep you safe while working with concrete, and will help ensure that your project is a success!

There are many different types of concrete work, and each type has its own set of safety concerns. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with the type of concrete work you will be doing, and to take the necessary precautions. 

Types of concrete work (and their risks):

• Pouring concrete: Wet concrete can cause skin irritation, and it is also a slip and fall hazard. Be sure to wear protective clothing, including gloves, when pouring concrete. Also, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling concrete dust.
• Working with rebar:  Rebar is sharp and can cause serious cuts, so it is important to wear gloves and long sleeves when working with it. Also, be sure to tie off any loose ends of rebar to avoid injury.
• Troweling concrete: This involves working with wet concrete, so it is important to wear protective clothing, including gloves. Also, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling concrete dust.
• Curing concrete: the process of allowing concrete to dry and harden. Curing concrete can take several days, so it is important to be patient and allow the concrete to cure properly. Improper curing can cause the concrete to crack or crumble, so it is important to follow the proper procedures.

Common injuries of concrete work:

• Exposure to harmful dust
• Skin irritations
• Possible injuries from lifting heavy bags or operating power tools
• Cuts and scrapes
• Eye injuries
• Respiratory problems
• Electrocution 

Skills needed to work with concrete:

• Ability to follow instructions
• Strength and endurance
• Attention to detail
• Safety consciousness 

10 Tips for Conducting Concrete Work Safely:

1. Always wear the proper safety gear when working with concrete. This includes gloves, goggles, and a face mask to protect your eyes, nose, and mouth from the dusty particles.
2. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling too much of the dust.
3. Wet the concrete down before you start working to keep the dust from becoming airborne.
4. Avoid skin contact with the concrete by wearing long pants and sleeves.
5. Use a power washer to clean up after you’re finished working with the concrete. This will help remove any residual dust that may have settled on your skin or clothing.
6. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using any concrete products.
7. Be sure to follow the proper mixing ratio for the type of concrete you are using. Mixing too much or too little water can weaken the finished product.
8. Never try to lift or move heavy bags of concrete mix on your own. Get help from a friend or coworker to avoid injury.
9. Use caution when operating power tools around wet concrete. Be sure to keep the tools away from puddles of water to avoid electrocution.
10. Inspect the finished concrete project for any cracks or uneven areas. These can be dangerous trip hazards, so they should be repaired as soon as possible.

Concrete work is a very demanding task that should only be handled by those who know what they are doing. By following these tips, you can safely conduct concrete work and avoid injury. 

This Post Is Part Of A Series: 101 Toolbox Topic Ideas For The Construction Industry
Do you struggle to come up with toolbox talk ideas each week to discuss with your workers? Fear no more, Work Safety QLD is here to the rescue with 101 Free Toolbox Talk Ideas for the Construction Industry.