Working with concrete is more than just pouring slab on grade systems and flatwork. Countless hazards can result from premature removal of formwork, improper set-up of forms and shoring, inadvertent operation of equipment, failure to support pre-cast panels, failure to guard reinforcing steel, and failure to use appropriate fall protection. Read on to learn about controlling or eliminating these hazards and more.
PPE and Fall Protection
This must be the nth time you’ll hear this, but I dare say it again: Wear your PPE! No matter how uncomfortable it is, wear it on the job. Basic proper PPE for heavy concrete operations usually consists of safety glasses, gloves, shoes/boots, hard hat, and clothing that keeps your skin from having direct contact with concrete.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that proper fall protection be provided to employees dealing with formwork or reinforcing steel and working six feet or more above a lower level. When workers construct standard forms, erect pre-cast concrete members, or perform dismantling work and exterior building work, they must use a personal fall-arrest system.
Rebar Safety
Rebars that protrude from the floor must be covered with protective caps or trough. The same should be done with rebars that protrude horizontally. Otherwise, workers are at a risk of injuring their eyes, and cutting, scraping or impaling themselves.
While OSHA allows workers to free-climb concrete forms and rebar to reach work areas, the free climbing height limit is set at 24 feet. Workers must use a personal fall-arrest system or a positioning-device system upon reaching the work area. The latter, is better, though, since it allows an employee to work with their hands free.
Loads, Formwork and Reinforcing Steel
Construction sites often use buckets to elevate and lower concrete and other types of material. Before and while doing this, employees must make sure that no co-worker is working under one of the buckets. No employee should also be permitted to ride concrete buckets.
Before removing shores and forms, except those used for slabs on grade and slip forms, employees must ensure that the concrete has gained sufficient strength to support its weight and superimposed loads.
Workers must see to it that there is adequate support for reinforcing steel for walls, columns, piers, and similar vertical structures. They should also keep unrolled wire mesh from recoiling by turning over the roll or securing each end of the roll. Guards must be provided for all protruding reinforcing steel to keep employees from getting impaled.
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