Concrete Safety: Essential Tips for Working with Concrete

Concrete is one of the most durable and versatile materials used in construction — but it’s not without its hazards. If handled incorrectly, it can lead to serious health risks, injuries, and long-term issues. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or taking on a DIY project, safety should never be an afterthought.

As a trusted concrete supplier in London, Surrey, and Berkshire, Mister Concrete is committed not only to delivering high-quality on-site mixed concrete, but also to helping you keep your site safe and your team protected. Here are our essential safety tips to follow when working with concrete.

 

Protect Your Skin and Body

Concrete may seem harmless, but it contains alkaline compounds that can cause skin irritation, rashes, and even chemical burns on prolonged contact. The tricky part? You might not feel the damage right away — symptoms often show up hours later, when it’s too late.

To protect yourself:

✔ Waterproof rubber gloves – These prevent direct hand contact with wet concrete and make handling easier.
✔ Safety glasses or goggles – Keep dust, splashes, and debris away from your eyes.
✔ Hard hat – Essential on active construction sites to guard against falling materials.
✔ Full protective clothing – Wear long sleeves, full-length trousers, and waterproof boots to reduce exposed skin.

Pro tip: If wet concrete touches your skin, wash it off immediately with clean water. If irritation develops, don't ignore it — cement burns can worsen quickly.

 

Think Ergonomically to Avoid Injury

Concrete work is physically demanding. It involves repetitive tasks like lifting, shoveling, bending, and pulling, all of which can lead to muscle strain or back injuries if done improperly.

Here’s how to stay injury-free:

✔ Keep the concrete mixer close to where you're working. This reduces the need to lift heavy loads across long distances.
✔ Use proper tools like wheelbarrows, shovels, and screed boards to reduce the physical toll on your body.
✔ Order a concrete pump for larger jobs — it saves time and minimises heavy lifting. Pumps also improve site safety by reducing trip hazards and allowing precise concrete placement.
✔ Take breaks and rotate tasks – Avoid repetitive strain by switching jobs throughout the day and giving your muscles time to recover.

Good ergonomics = better productivity and fewer injuries.

 

Prepare Your Site for a Safe Delivery

While Mister Concrete takes care of mixing and delivery, there are still a few important things you can do to keep your site safe and ready when the truck arrives. Good coordination not only prevents delays — it reduces the risk of accidents and keeps everything running smoothly.

✔ Ensure clear access for our mixer and any pumping equipment. Remove obstacles like parked vehicles, building materials, or debris in advance.
✔ Make sure someone is on-site to receive the delivery and guide our driver to the pour location.
✔ Keep the pour area clean and safe – a tidy work zone helps avoid trips, slips, and miscommunication.
✔ Communicate any special site conditions beforehand (e.g. narrow access, steep driveways, soft ground), so we can plan accordingly.

When the site is ready, our team can do what they do best — deliver and pour high-quality concrete with speed, safety, and precision.

 

Safety First, Always

Concrete might be tough, but so are the risks if it’s handled carelessly. Prioritising safety keeps your project efficient, your workers protected, and your surface built to last. Here’s a quick recap:

✔ Cover and protect exposed skin when working with concrete.
✔ Use proper techniques and take breaks to prevent injury.
✔ Prepare your site properly to support a safe and seamless delivery.

At Mister Concrete, we don’t just deliver top-quality on-site mixed concrete — we partner with you to keep your project moving safely and smoothly.

 

 

• by: Mister Concrete
• 2025-03-03
• 9025 views