Concreters are being reminded about the need for regular inspections, maintenance and testing of equipment, following a spate of recent concreting incidents.

Acting Head of SafeWork NSW John Tansey said concrete pours are hazardous operations and equipment including concrete pumps must always be serviced and functioning properly before any work starts.

“Between 2017 and 2020 SafeWork NSW Inspectors attended close to 60 incidents, including one fatality and a further 17 involving serious injuries, many of which were caused by malfunctioning concrete placement equipment,” Mr Tansey said.

“Recently there have been multiple occurrences of workers being injured by concrete line hoses which have either blocked or burst and expelled concrete at significant force, as well as equipment impacting with powerlines, scaffolding and other infrastructure.

“During a recent pour at a site in Wollongong, a concrete pump connection point burst after a blockage and a member of the public’s car was sprayed with concrete as they drove past the site.

“At Greystanes, a boom pump extension arm hit overhead powerlines and caused an arc explosion and current which travelled along a boundary fence and blew a neighbouring property’s watermain.

“Always ensure you have safe work systems in place and that anyone performing high-risk work is adequately licensed, trained, and supervised when doing so,” Mr Tansey said.

Read safety information for building and construction industry workers, as well as a fact sheet regarding concrete placing equipment operations.

Listen to a podcast where SafeWork NSW Inspectors discuss the work health and safety considerations of concrete pumping equipment.