10 Tips for Concrete Safety in Construction

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Safety in construction has a direct impact on surety bonds in the industry because it influences a project’s risk profile. Surety bonds guarantee that a project will be completed according to the contract terms, and using unsafe practices could break said terms. By using safe practices, contractors reduce accidents, delays, and legal issues, which may lead to interruptions or increased costs to the project. This can increase the risk for surety bond providers, making it harder for firms to secure bonds. With that said, here are our top 10 tips for concrete safety in construction.

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Risks Associated with Concrete Work

Fatal construction injuries are estimated to cost the U.S. economy $5 billion annually, considering healthcare costs, lost income, and reduced quality of life for families affected by these tragedies. While it’s well known that construction is more dangerous for workers than most industries, specific risks associated with concrete work don’t always receive the attention they deserve. For example:

Falls from heights are a major hazard, particularly when working on structures involving concrete. For instance, improper scaffolding or failure to use personal fall arrest systems can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Falls onto a concrete surface are likely to cause significant injuries or even fatalities.
Struck-by incidents are common in concrete work, especially when precast concrete components are being lifted and moved by heavy machinery.
Concrete work often involves heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and awkward postures, leading to musculoskeletal disorders.
The caustic nature of cement is another construction health hazard.
Respiratory ailments can result from inhaling concrete dust, though symptoms may not arise until much later.

Investing in safety programs is economically beneficial. Construction companies save an estimated $4 to $6 for every $1 invested in safety measures, highlighting the importance of proactive safety management.

Risk Mitigation Tips

Explore the safety tips provided here by checking them off as you read to indicate which safety practices your company already has in place.

Use proper mixing techniques. Always add cement to water, not water to cement, to prevent splashing. And use mechanical aids for mixing when possible to reduce manual handling.
Employ safe pouring practices. Monitor the stability of formwork and scaffolding during concrete pouring. And ensure that the pouring area is well-illuminated and free from obstructions.
Require and monitor proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Despite the known risks, there is still a significant gap in PPE usage among construction workers, which needs to be addressed through stringent enforcement and education. Those working with concrete should wear:
- Full-cover goggles or safety glasses with side shields
- Abrasive-coated task-appropriate gloves rated for chemical exposure, impact protection, cutting, and/or burning, as needed
- Long-sleeve shirts to prevent skin irritation from the alkaline materials in concrete
- Masks or respirators to prevent inhalation of concrete dust when grinding, cutting, or mixing concrete
Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury when lifting heavy concrete bags or pouring concrete. Lift with your legs, not your back, and avoid twisting while carrying heavy loads. Whenever possible, work in teams to lift heavy items.
Better yet, avoid manual handling and use wheelbarrows, hoists, or conveyors to transport cement bags and mixed concrete.
Exercise caution to avoid hazards such as wet concrete, uneven surfaces, and protruding rebar.
Control dust by using wet methods when cutting or grinding concrete or implementing local exhaust ventilation systems to reduce airborne dust levels.
Be aware of the caustic nature of wet cement and avoid prolonged skin contact.
Have first aid kits readily available on site. Use neutralizing agents or wash stations to treat skin exposure immediately. Ensure that workers know how to respond to cement burns and eye exposure incidents.
Continuous safety training and awareness programs that specifically address the hazards of working with cement is a crucial aspect of any construction company’s safety plan.

Planning for Concrete Safety in Construction

Safety planning in construction begins with a comprehensive safety and health analysis, resulting in a list of all worksite hazards. Each hazard can then be addressed in a written safety plan. This process should be repeated on a regular basis, and the safety plan may need to be modified to reflect the conditions at each additional worksite. Failure to implement a written safety plan can expose construction companies to both legal and financial risk.

A safety plan isn’t worth much if it isn’t fully implemented, which requires companywide training. Initial training of new employees must be reinforced by ongoing refresher training and training related to new equipment, procedures, or requirements.

But creating a pervasive safety mindset doesn’t end there. Training alone won’t do the trick. But it’s not necessarily something that can be done by mandate alone. Once employees gain an understanding of safety requirements through training, the new way of doing things needs to become the way things are always done. Knowledge needs to be translated into action.

Leaders exist at all levels of a construction company, on the jobsite as well as in formal managerial and leadership roles. These are the people that others turn to for direction, feedback, or advice. They are role models, whether they know it or not.

Role models lead by example, by:

Consistently following safety protocols and procedures and setting a standard of behavior that others will emulate
Promoting a safety-first attitude by prioritizing safety over speed or convenience
Sharing knowledge and skills with less experienced colleagues
Openly discussing safety concerns and instilling confidence in safety procedures
Recognizing and rewarding safe behavior
Participating in safety initiatives and campaigns
Emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in maintaining safety
Encouraging employees to take ownership of their safety and that of their colleagues
Proactively reporting near-misses and unsafe conditions

Intentionally identifying and developing a cadre of role models can be an extremely effective way to shift a company’s culture in the direction it needs to go to protect its workforce and financial assets.