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Contractors who use concrete pumps on the jobsite can lower the incidence of a host of manual labor-related safety issues. For instance, concrete pumps have helped eliminate a countless number of back injuries by reducing the need for wheeling, raking and pulling concrete. Pumps also remove the need for stringing together chutes, helping to do away with sprained wrist and shoulder injuries. But to keep your people productive, certain safety practices should be observed when using a concrete pump. Industry and association professionals have shared with us the top safety issues for concrete boom pumps and trailer pumps to help you keep safe while pumping.

Boom pump safety

Power lines are a major concern when using a concrete boom pump, says Christi Collins, executive director for the American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA), and Chris Hotz of SS&L, Inc. in Omaha, Neb.

Collins says a boom coming in contact with power lines is the number one cause of fatal accidents when using a concrete pump. The ACPA says placing booms should never be operated within 17 feet of working power lines; this is known as the danger zone.

Whether a contractor owns or rents the pump, he needs to be aware of any power lines near the jobsite and inform the pump operator and workers on site of the presence and location of these lines. Everyone on the jobsite should be trained on power line and electricity safety, where the danger zone is, and the purpose of the danger zone.

Collins says when power lines are present a spotter should monitor the movement of the boom and warn the operator away from the danger zone. “You should never boom over power lines even if it could remain 17 feet away,” Collins adds.