Safety Tips For Cement Workers Near Me

Concrete contractors can install new concrete and repair existing concrete. Their work can be found in residential projects like landings and walkways, as well as large concrete slabs for foundations or slabs.

Concrete is a strong material, but it can crack when the ground beneath shifts. Buckling and heaving are common causes of concrete damage, which need to be addressed immediately.

Protect Yourself

Cement and concrete are common construction materials, so it’s important for construction workers to understand how to protect themselves. Cement and concrete dust contains crystalline silica, which can cause a deadly lung disease called silicosis. Inhaling cement dust irritates the nose and throat, and can aggravate asthma or make existing respiratory problems worse. It can also trigger skin problems like dermatitis or lead to eye irritation and chemical burns. It is recommended that all workers wear appropriate face protection, including a mask with high particle filtration efficiency and/or a respirator. They should also bring labeled bags and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for all chemicals they use on the job.

Getting wet cement on the hands for a short time causes little harm, but continuous contact allows alkaline compounds to penetrate and irritate the skin, potentially resulting in first or second degree burns. It’s important for workers to wear impermeable gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and pants to prevent cement from seeping through their clothing and touching their skin.

Wear the Right Equipment

It’s important that every worker wears the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for any given job. This includes hard hats, safety goggles, gloves and body suits that can protect against extreme temperatures, flames and sparks, toxic chemicals, radiation, insect bites, and cuts. It’s also important that PPE fits well to ensure optimal protection.

Concrete contractors often work at height, so it’s important that they have proper fall protection. This can include body harnesses, self-retracting line yard lanyards and other gear that will keep workers safe in the event of a fall.

Cement masons and concrete finishers specialize in laying and finishing concrete structures such as driveways, floors, and pool decks. They can also fix existing concrete that is damaged. When hiring a concrete contractor, it’s important to know their insurance, pulling permits and level of experience. You can find these details on their website or by calling them directly. They should be able to answer all of your questions and provide a quote for the work you need done.

Be Prepared for Weather

Weather can be a huge safety hazard for workers. For example, a puddle of water may not be dangerous on a regular day, but it can cause a slip and fall injury on a wet or icy surface.

Severe storms and high winds can also pose serious threats. Make sure to have a plan in place for securing the site before bad weather hits. This will help you avoid work disruptions and prevent worker injuries.

It’s also important to prepare for the potential loss of power. Keep emergency supplies such as flashlights, bottled water, and first-aid kits on hand. In addition, make sure to sign up for alerts from your local government and monitor your local news and radio. Also, be sure to have a backup battery or way to charge your cell phone in case of an outage. Staying informed is the best way to stay safe in a severe storm.

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