Housing is a basic need for all human beings. Buildings are essential for businesses to flourish. This is why the construction industry is lucrative. In turn, concrete suppliers will always prosper. There will always be a demand to construct structures all around the world, even here in the Mornington Peninsula. Concrete work is a critical aspect of construction and building projects, and it involves the use of concrete as a primary construction material. Concrete is a versatile, durable, and cost-effective material that can be shaped and moulded into various forms, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in the construction industry.
Safety is always the first priority when working with concrete whether it’s dry or wet. Safety precautions prevent injuries such as falls, cuts, abrasions, and burns, which keeps workers healthy, safe, and productive. Below are some examples of concrete safety tips to protect oneself and others when you’re working with concrete:
Wearing of Appropriate PPE
Construction work, no matter how big or small the project is, always requires wearing PPE. With concrete work, workers are usually required to wear the following:
- A pair of safety goggles: These prevent eye irritation from chemicals and concrete dust.
- Face protection: N-95 or R-95 mask helps prevent lung problems caused by dust inhalation. A face mask or respirator keeps the lungs clear and healthy from these particles that are damaging to health
- Full-length pants and shirts: There’s a reason why construction workers wear full-length sleeves for their tops and long pants. It’s to prevent skin irritation and concrete burns from chemicals and concrete mixer equipment.
- Boots and gloves: A pair of each also prevent skin irritation and chemical burns to your hands and feet as well as keep them safe from abrasions and cuts from debris, stone, and aggregate. Cuts from unsafe sources may pose a risk of tetanus infection. Hands and feet are more susceptible to injuries so it’s important to keep them safe as well.
Additional essential PPE include:
- Hard hat or helmet: to protect the head from falling objects.
- Earplugs: to protect the ears from loud noises from heavy machinery.
Using Tools Appropriate Tools for the Job
To reduce the amount of respirable concrete dust in the air, use tools designed specifically for dusty work environments. Whenever possible, use exhaust-ventilated tools, such as hand-held cutting saws or concrete hammer drills that can remove dust at the source. Tools safely fitted with a water supply help tamp down dust and reduce inhalation from airborne particles of concrete.
Make sure to clean tools properly and replace them when they’ve worn out. Doing so makes them more efficient, reduces the risk of contamination or corrosion and lowers the chance of injury.
Doing Proper Techniques
If your tools are not enough to control concrete dust, you can make up for it by doing larger-scale techniques. Use the appropriate lifting and handling techniques to avoid injuries to your spine and bones. If you can’t do a heavy task alone, find a partner to help you out or use mechanical assistance.
Accessible Hand Washing Stations
Any location where concrete mixing or pouring occurs should have eyewash stations available. This should include clean water, clean towels, and gentle hand soap. This will help workers wash their eyes if they accidentally get concrete debris inside and for them to wash their hands clean after every work shift.
Communicating With the Team
Insufficient communication is one common way for accidents and injuries to happen in construction sites. Construction sites should also communicate clearly about the hazards of working with concrete. Notices of any potential hazards a worker is at risk should be placed where it’s visible. There should be proper documentation for all workers who need access and retain clear labelling on any hazardous materials.
Staying Alert and Vigilant
The construction site is no place for drowsing off or getting distracted. A momentary lapse in concentration can be enough to cause a serious accident. Despite long and challenging workdays, try to remain focused on the job at hand. Avoid chatting with others while operating hazardous machinery and take breaks in a safe area free from dust. Remember to take your allotted breaks, even if you're on a tight schedule. Giving your mind and body a few minutes to recharge can help you stay alert and focused.
Even during a long, challenging workday, try to remain focused on the job at hand. Refrain from getting drawn into conversation while you work with hazardous machinery, and be sure to take your breaks in a safe area, away from accumulated dust. Do remember to take your allotted breaks, even on a tight schedule. Giving your mind and body a few minutes to recharge is one of the best ways to stay alert and focused.
Are you searching for dependable concrete suppliers in Mornington or throughout Victoria state? Don't worry, because VIC MIX is available to assist you. With almost 30 years of experience in the construction industry, VIC MIX Melbourne has extensive knowledge of concrete. We supply exposed aggregate and decorative concrete to Melbourne and Victoria's communities, as well as undertake various large-scale commercial and industrial projects throughout the state.
If you need reliable contractors to place your concrete, contact us at 03 8792 3100 for a quote. Alternatively, fill out our form and we will provide you with contact numbers for concrete placers, grinders, sandblasters, and other helpful tradespeople to ensure you achieve the best possible finish on your project.
To view our products in person, head to our main office in Dandenong or any of our showrooms located in Coburg, and Mornington. For a complete list of our showroom and plant addresses, please see this page for more information.