15: Concrete and Masonry
"Obedience is the mother of success and is wedded to safety." – Aeschylus
Overview
Concrete and masonry work is specialized work requiring materials handling considerations and use of cutting tools. Some of the materials used also expose workers to health hazards such as silica dust from mortars and grout. Setting precast concrete and formwork requires the use of cranes, hoists and special forklifts. The potential for struck by, crushed, or caught in hazards are considerable when working with concrete and masonry. This chapter will focus on standards that control these hazards.
Chapter Objective:
- Determine safe work practices for employees required to work on jobsites where masonry and concrete operations are in effect.
- Identify the hazards associated with masonry and concrete operations.
- Review OSHA Subpart Q requirements for the use of equipment and tools related to masonry and concrete operations.
- Understand safety requirements for precast concrete, slip form, lift-slab, and cast-in- place concrete construction.
Learning Outcome:
- Apply the hierarchy of controls to standards addressing concrete and masonry work.
- Describe key terminology for concrete and masonry work.
Standards: 1926 Subpart Q-Fall Concrete and Masonry
Key Terms:
Formwork, impalement, precast concrete, shoring, silica
Mini-Lecture: Fall Hazards, Fall Protection
Topic Required Time: 2 hrs; Independent Study and reflection 1 3/4 hour.
Thumbnail: Construction worker and concrete truck, Attribution Bridgesward, Pixabay