LANDSCAPE ONTARIO – WORKPLACE SAFETY TAILGATE TALKS
28 © 2026, WSPS.CA
CONCRETE WORK
Personal Protective Equipment
Equipment Hazards
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Can you identify three hazards when working with concrete?
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The A-B-Cs of the effects concrete has on skin:
Abrasive sand contained in fresh concrete is rough on
bare skin.
Basic cement is an alkaline when it is wet and can burn skin.
Caustic concrete and other cement mixtures are strongly basic
(pH of 12 to 13). Strong bases (like strong acids) are harmful,
or caustic to skin.
Prevention Points
Concrete is easy to work with, versatile, durable and economical.
Here are some suggestions to reduce the risk of injuries while
working with concrete:
Review the General Health & Safety Best Practices section on
page 11 before performing any task.
Practice safe lifting techniques, including team lifting, to protect
your back when manually lifting bags of concrete.
Chemical Hazard
Wear appropriate personal protective clothing or equipment to
prevent exposure. Watch for skin irritation and chemical burns
when working with fresh concrete.
