Safety in Doing Concrete Work

While concrete is simple to work with due to its versatility, durability, and affordability, concrete work NJ still entails some fundamental precautions. Safety measures are necessary so as to prevent accidents, hazards, or untoward incidents when using concrete in building structures.

Some people have experienced injury when mixing, handling, and finishing concrete a material for building a home or a building. Thus, they, especially construction workers should be aware of work safety as per the United States of Labor.

In doing concrete work, it is essential for construction workers to protect their heads and eyes. Construction equipment and tools are available so as to safeguard construction personnel from hazards brought about by the concrete work. Hard hats and safety googles protect the construction personnel from falling debris or concrete powder. Eye protection is important when doing a concrete work NJ, as they are at risk to blowing dust, dashing concrete, and moving debris. So, these pieces of protective equipment should be worn when performing a concrete work, whether large or small.

Proper body mechanics should be maintained at all times when doing concrete work. This is because the materials used to make concrete, such as water, sand, coarse aggregate, and Portland cement are heavy when combined together, even though in small amounts. Proper body mechanics should be executed when lifting materials with heavy weights in order to protect the spine. The back should be straight, the legs should be bent, and the weight in the middle of the legs should be as near to the body as feasible. The waist should not be twisted when lifting or carrying heavy objects as this can cause strain on the back, or worse, back injury. It is highly recommended to ask for help when lifting heavy loads, instead of straining the back. This way, the back will be protected from injury and the task will be carried out efficiently.

Mechanical equipment, such as pump, chute, or wheelbarrow, can also be used in doing a concrete work. Then, a tool, such as a shovel, can move or transfer the concrete as near to its final position as possible. A short-handed and squared-end shovel is the ideal tool to use, but some concrete rakes can also be used. It should also be noted that the concrete should be pushed and not lifted into its last position, as too much movement of the concrete does not only need more effort, but also results to segregation of the concrete ingredients.

Prolonged contact to concrete work may also result to skin irritation and chemical burns. Contact to fresh concrete may lead to severe burns, which can be third-degree burns. Aside from the skin, eyes and clothing may also become burned. If the concrete comes in contact with the eyes and skin, they should be flushed thoroughly with clean water. Immediate medical attention should be done in case of deep burns that involve affected skin areas.

While concrete work helps in the construction of houses and buildings, construction workers should also observe precautionary measures.