Workplace Hazards in Concreting
This fact sheet is for secondary school students undertaking work experience programs, and for their host employers. It can be
used as a tool to assist with task planning, and to develop appropriate induction, training and supervision to minimise any risk to
students while they are ‘at work’.
Students must be given instruction, and must be supervised at all times. Consideration must always be given to hazards
when allocating tasks. If any risk exists, students must NOT undertake the activity.
Hazard Possible Harmful Possible Employer Preventative
Effects Action to Prevent Action Students
Injury / Illness Can Take
Powered tools and Contact with electricity Students must NOT operate powered Students must NOT operate
non-powered tools – Amputation or laceration tools powered tools
e.g. jackhammer, Eye or face injury
boltcutters, mixer Musculoskeletal disorders Provide instruction in safe use of hand Use hand tools carefully,
and/or vibrator, hand- caused by equipment vibration tools according to your instructions
held cutting saw
Working at heights Falls from heights, potential for Students must NOT work at heights Students must NOT work at
fatality or serious injury where there is any risk of a fall heights where there is any
risk of a fall
Mobile plant including Falls from heights, potential for Students must NOT operate mobile Students must NOT operate
mobile platforms, fatality or serious injury plant mobile plant
trucks, concrete
mixers Being struck by mobile plant
Unlevelled terrain Falls Place appropriate safety signs Observe safety signs
Cuts Require appropriate personal protective Wear PPE including safety
equipment (PPE) including safety footwear
footwear
Cement products, Dermatitis Assess the work area before Read MSDS and follow safe
hazardous commencing work working instructions
substances Fresh concrete has caustic Provide Material Safety Data Sheet Use PPE provided to protect
effect due to its alkaline nature (MSDS) and risk assessments for you against hazardous
hazardous substances substances
Burns, including abrasive effects Provide appropriate PPE
of sand Provide emergency eye wash facility
Manual handling Musculoskeletal disorders Document safe work procedures Use mechanical aids
(bending, reaching, including sprains and strains Provide mechanical aids Seek help when you think a
stretching, pulling, Provide training in safe manual team lift is required
lifting, repetitive handling techniques Exercise: warm up/stretch
motions, awkward Encourage team lifts where appropriate before starting work, and cool
posture) down/stretch at end of the
shift or working day
Noise Long-term exposure to Maintain powered tools to reduce noise Wear PPE (hearing
excessive noise could lead to Limit noise exposure protection) provided
hearing loss Provide appropriate PPE
Exposed sharp Cuts and laceration Document safe work procedures Follow safe work procedures
reinforcing steel/bars, Electrocution Set up appropriate signs after being instructed
electrical cable Explosion or fire if gas pipes are Cap reinforcing bars Observe safety signs
conduits, gas pipes breached Provide appropriate PPE Wear appropriate PPE
Hot weather Heat rashes, heat cramps, heat Provide regular rest breaks Dress appropriately for the
conditions stress, dehydration, sunburn Re-schedule work if extreme weather conditions
conditions present risk Take scheduled breaks
Sexual harassment, Emotional stress, fear and Establish work place policy Report any concerns
work place bullying anxiety, physical illness Provide staff briefings or training immediately
