Knee Injury Falling on Concrete and 4 Other Dangers of Working with Concrete

Of all the materials used on construction sites, concrete is one of the most commonly used. Here are some potential dangers and what you can do if you are injured.

When most people think of construction site injuries, they may imagine someone getting hit by a falling beam or something like that. However, did you know that concrete can also be a serious hazard on construction sites? It may seem like an unlikely thing, however, concrete can be very dangerous if it isn’t handled properly. In this article, we’ll discuss how concrete can injure workers on construction sites and provide some tips on staying safe while working with this material.

Dangers of Working with Concrete

Of all the materials used on construction sites, concrete is one of the most commonly used. It is versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks. It’s also very strong and durable, which is why it’s often used in the construction of buildings and other structures.

However, like most construction materials, concrete can pose a risk of injury if it isn’t handled properly. Here are some of the ways that workers can be injured while working with concrete:

Being Cut by Sharp Edges

One of the most common ways is “concrete cancer.” This is when the concrete starts to break down and crumble. If this happens, it can create sharp edges that can cut workers.

Another hazard associated with concrete is what is known as “rebar.” Rebar is the steel that is used to reinforce concrete. It is very sharp and can cause serious puncture wounds if it comes into contact with workers.

Being Hit by Falling Concrete

Another way workers can be injured is by being hit by falling concrete. This can happen if the concrete is not properly supported while it’s being poured or if it’s not cured properly before it’s used.

Knee Injury Slipping and Falling on Concrete

Slipping and falling is always a risk on construction sites, but it’s especially common with wet concrete. The wet concrete surface can be very slippery, and workers can easily lose their footing and fall. Falling on concrete often leads to knee injuries.

Being Burned by Hot Concrete

Another way that workers can be injured by concrete is by coming into contact with wet concrete. This can happen if workers work with fresh concrete that hasn’t had a chance to dry yet. If workers are not careful, they can be burned by hot concrete. This is especially common in the summer months when concrete can get very hot.

Breathing in Concrete Dust

Another hazard associated with concrete is breathing silica dust. This dust is created when concrete is cut or drilled, and it can be very harmful to workers if they inhale it. Silica dust can cause a condition called silicosis, which is a serious lung disease.

Tips for Working Safely with Concrete

Now that we’ve discussed how workers can be injured while working with concrete, let’s talk about some tips for working safely with this material.

• Always Wear the Proper Safety Gear: One of the most important things to do when working with concrete is to wear the proper safety gear. This includes gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.
• Follow the Instructions:  When working with concrete, it’s important to follow the instructions. This includes reading the labels on the bags of concrete and following any safety instructions that are provided.
• Lift concrete properly, using your legs and not your back.
• Wash off any concrete that gets on your skin immediately.
• Avoid breathing in concrete dust.

Seeking Workers Compensation Benefits

If you have been injured while working with concrete, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, the process of seeking compensation can be complicated and confusing. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced workers’ comp attorney who can help you navigate the process and get the compensation you deserve.

St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorney

At the Law Offices of James. M. Hoffman, our St. Louis workers compensation attorney has over 30 years of experience and understands the ins and outs of the workers’ comp system. We can help you understand your rights and options, and we can fight for the maximum amount of compensation you are legally entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation.