A New York-based concrete contractor, Highbury Concrete is committed to maintaining the safety of the public and its workers. To this end, the company maintains a team of researchers who analyze optimal concrete placement and safety practices. In addition, Highbury Concrete created the HiCON application to connect its workforce and promote the sharing of safety information.
Concrete is a versatile and durable building material, but it can also be hazardous if the proper precautions are not taken. Here are some of the most common hazards of working with concrete:
Chemical Burns
The chemicals contained within some wet concrete are irritating to the skin. When left on the skin for a brief time, concrete damages skin cells and dries skin out. Over a longer period of time, exposure to wet concrete can chemically burn the skin. Because of this, workers must always wear heavy-duty boots, gloves, and other personal protective equipment when working with wet concrete.
Respiratory Irritation
Dry concrete also poses a risk to worker health. Often, the dust from dry concrete increases the risk of illnesses and infections of the respiratory system. It can also make breathing more difficult when inhaled. This dust is produced at various stages of concrete work, from mixing and pouring the concrete to sanding and cutting it. Dust masks are essential for avoiding such respiratory issues.
Falling Injuries
When working on a construction site with concrete, workers must protect themselves from falling off high platforms and being hit by falling objects. Concrete objects, regardless of size, are capable of causing serious injury to the head when falling from higher up. This is why workers must also wear safety hats and be cautious as they move around. Meanwhile, workers on elevated platforms must wear safety harnesses to protect against potential falls.
Highbury Concrete 