Wearing water-proof gloves and clothes that protect your limbs, like a long-sleeve shirt or full-length pants is a great safety precaution.
People work with concrete every day. Unfortunately, a result of the frequency with which we all work with concrete can lead to safety precautions being overlooked. Like any other job out there, safety always comes first. It’s important that any job site making use of concrete knows what the risks are and how to keep everyone protected during the process. Here are our tips for staying safe while working with concrete, but remember to always work with professionals who are aware of the safety protocols surrounding concrete, such as Concrete Visions.
Working with Concrete: Skin Protection
Concrete might seem harmless, but the truth is that wet concrete or cement mixtures can cause skin irritation, eye damage, and even severe chemical burns. Cement burns can be extremely painful, even disfiguring. Frequent exposure can be problematic. Be sure you wear water-proof gloves and clothes that protect your limbs, like a long-sleeve shirt or full-length pants. If you have to stand in concrete, waterproof boots could be a good solution. If exposed to wet contact, wash the area immediately.
Head Protection
When on any construction job site, make sure you are wearing an approved hard hat. Take care of your hard hat during all times. Don’t allow holes to develop and don’t store them in the rear window of your vehicle as the hot sun could cause damage. If your hard hat is damaged, do not wear it and get a new one. Avoid wearing your hard hat backward. Lastly, don’t wear a steel hard hat as it can conduct electricity.
Protect Your Eyes
You should wear shatterproof eye safety protection at all times. This helps prevent anything from getting into your eyes, including dust, toxic fumes, flying particles, and of course cement. Be aware though as chemicals, dust, and gases could get under your eyes, so leave the job site and wash your eyes out before reentering.
Bodily Protection
Make sure you are dressed appropriately. Wear steel-toed boots in order to prevent falling objects or anything else from hurting your feet. As previously mentioned, wearing waterproof footwear is essential. You should also keep your back straight when lifting concrete as it can be very heavy. Always ask for help whenever applicable and used wheeled carts if you can. Just clear the path beforehand of any slipping or tripping hazards.
Concrete Visions Will Get The Job Done Right
Concrete Visions has been working with clients for over 25 years. Our G&M Services installers are certified with the industry’s major firestop product manufacturers. As part of our firestop service, we can assess abnormal field conditions and, with the manufacturer’s technical support assistance, provide engineering judgments in a timely fashion to comply with contract specifications. Our Field Mechanics undergo ongoing training, including mandatory monthly safety meetings, weekly Toolbox Talks where safety and equipment information is shred, and trainings on safe work standards and safety best practices.