COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Accident Prevention Strategies in High-Risk Concreting Work course. This program has been developed to equip you with the knowledge and practical strategies required to identify, manage, and eliminate risks associated with high-risk concreting operations across a variety of Australian construction environments.

Concreting work is classified as high-risk due to the complex interactions of heavy materials, mobile plant, formwork systems, and environmental exposure. The course begins with a definition of high-risk concreting tasks and the types of serious incidents they can lead to—such as crush injuries, chemical burns, musculoskeletal disorders, and falls. It explains the legal obligations that apply under Australian work health and safety legislation and highlights the industry trends and injury statistics that reinforce the importance of preventative planning.

Understanding your WHS obligations is fundamental. This section explores the legal responsibilities of both employers and workers under the Work Health and Safety Act and associated regulations. You will gain a clear understanding of duty of care requirements, Safe Work Australia guidance, and relevant state-based codes of practice that must be followed in concreting operations.

Hazard identification is the next critical step in prevention. This section focuses on detecting risks such as cement dust exposure, hazardous admixtures, awkward manual tasks, and site-specific dangers like nearby excavation, traffic, and elevated platforms. You will learn how to assess the physical and environmental conditions unique to each concreting task.

Risk assessments provide the foundation for targeted controls. This section explains how to review job-specific tasks, rate the likelihood and severity of each risk, and prioritise controls based on the potential for harm. Emphasis is placed on involving workers in this process to ensure that all known risks are addressed before work begins.

Developing effective Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) is a compliance requirement for all high-risk concreting work. This section explores how to identify which tasks require SWMS under WHS law, how to involve your team in the development and review process, and how to update these documents as conditions on site change.

Accident prevention begins with preparing a safe and well-organised site. This section outlines how to secure access ways, install appropriate barricades and signage, and eliminate trip hazards within pour zones. Environmental factors such as rainwater pooling, glare, or heat must also be controlled to reduce incident risk.

Safe access and egress planning is essential for pours and reinforcement work. This section explores how to provide safe entry and exit routes, particularly where access is restricted around formwork, reinforcing mesh, or suspended slabs. Emergency exits must remain clear, especially during confined or elevated work.

Traffic and mobile plant must be managed around concreting zones. This section focuses on how to separate pedestrian access from truck and pump operations, enforce exclusion zones, and ensure safety devices such as reversing alarms, mirrors, and lighting systems are fully operational.

Concrete materials and chemical additives carry exposure risks. This section explains how to reduce contact with harmful substances through safe storage, handling procedures, and the use of PPE. You will learn how to follow SDS guidelines for admixtures, sealants, and cementitious compounds.

Falls from heights are a leading cause of injury in concreting work. This section details strategies such as the installation of edge protection, handrails, mesh barriers, and the use of fall restraint systems when pouring decks or working on formwork. You will also learn how to verify the integrity of access platforms.

Manual handling injuries remain prevalent in concreting. This section provides techniques to manage risk when lifting, carrying, or placing heavy items such as steel reinforcement, props, and form panels. Use of lifting aids and team lift protocols is explained in detail.

Formwork and reinforcement must be installed without introducing structural hazards. This section explores how to inspect bracing and tie systems for safety, sequence installation tasks to prevent collapse, and manage impalement risks posed by exposed reo bars.

Pumping and placement processes present dynamic hazards. This section outlines how to safely set up and operate concrete pumps, hoses, and booms. It includes guidance on inspecting fittings, establishing exclusion zones, and preventing uncontrolled discharges or pressure-related failures.

Concrete finishing involves noise, vibration, and slip hazards. This section details how to manage risks during trowelling, edging, and finishing. You’ll explore how to prevent slips on wet surfaces, reduce vibration exposure, and ensure adequate lighting during early starts or late pours.

Environmental factors must be continually monitored. This section outlines procedures for adapting to extreme heat, wind, or rain. You will learn how to prevent heat stress, monitor weather-related visibility, and maintain safe communication between teams during adverse conditions.

Supervision is essential to uphold safe behaviour. This section focuses on how to actively observe high-risk tasks, intervene when unsafe actions occur, and promote adherence to established procedures. Escalation and reporting channels are also discussed for serious or recurring non-compliance.

Being prepared for emergencies can reduce harm. This section explores how to implement first aid readiness, spill response procedures, and emergency communication protocols. You will learn how to conduct drills and ensure quick access to rescue or medical support when required.

Creating a strong safety culture is the final step in prevention. This section highlights the value of daily toolbox talks, recognising safe behaviour, and making safety an ongoing conversation across the concreting crew. Empowering workers to take ownership of site safety leads to improved outcomes for everyone.

By completing this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to lead, supervise, or participate in high-risk concreting tasks with a proactive and prevention-focused mindset. You will be equipped to manage hazards, meet legal obligations, and contribute to safer, more productive worksites across the construction industry.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to High-Risk Activities in Concreting Work

• Defining high-risk concreting tasks and their potential consequences
• The legal requirement to manage risk in concreting operations
• Common injury types and incident trends in the industry

2. Understanding WHS Obligations and Legislation

• Employer and worker responsibilities under WHS laws
• Duty of care in high-risk construction work
• Overview of Safe Work Australia codes and state regulations

3. Identifying Hazards in Concreting Environments

• Exposure to hazardous substances such as cement dust and admixtures
• Manual handling of heavy tools, formwork, and reinforcement
• Working near mobile plant, open excavations, or heights

4. Conducting Risk Assessments Prior to Work

• Reviewing job tasks, locations, and environmental conditions
• Rating likelihood and severity of risks
• Prioritising controls for the most serious hazards

5. Developing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

• Identifying tasks that require SWMS under WHS law
• Ensuring team involvement in developing practical SWMS
• Reviewing and updating SWMS when site conditions change

6. Preparing the Site to Prevent Accidents

• Securing access ways, barricades, and signage
• Removing slip and trip hazards from formwork and pour zones
• Controlling environmental factors such as heat and rainwater pooling

7. Planning for Safe Access and Egress

• Providing safe routes for entry and exit during pours
• Managing congested access around formwork and reinforcing
• Ensuring emergency egress during confined space or elevated pours

8. Managing Traffic and Mobile Plant Interactions

• Separating pedestrian and plant movement zones
• Using spotters and exclusion zones when pumps or trucks are active
• Ensuring reverse alarms, mirrors, and safety beacons are operational

9. Safe Handling of Concrete Materials and Chemicals

• Minimising skin contact and inhalation risks
• Following SDS guidance for admixtures, sealants, and cement
• Wearing appropriate gloves, goggles, and respirators as needed

10. Preventing Falls from Heights During Concreting

• Installing compliant edge protection, handrails, or safety mesh
• Using fall restraint systems on decked or suspended pours
• Ensuring secure access to formwork decks, scaffolds, and platforms

11. Managing Manual Handling and Musculoskeletal Risks

• Using mechanical aids to move reinforcing and form panels
• Team lifting protocols for heavy or awkward items
• Avoiding overreaching, twisting, and sustained bending

12. Preventing Injuries During Formwork and Reinforcement Installation

• Inspecting props, braces, and tie systems for integrity
• Using safe sequencing to avoid collapses or strikes
• Preventing impalement on exposed reo bars

13. Controlling Risks During Pumping and Placement

• Inspecting boom pumps, hoses, and clamps for defects
• Establishing exclusion zones around moving hoses
• Preventing uncontrolled discharge or line blockages

14. Ensuring Safety During Concrete Finishing Tasks

• Avoiding slips on wet surfaces during trowelling or edging
• Managing noise and vibration exposure from finishing equipment
• Using lighting for early-morning or late-day pours

15. Monitoring Environmental Conditions During Concreting

• Adjusting work methods for extreme heat, rain, or wind
• Preventing dehydration and heat stress in summer months
• Ensuring visibility and communication during poor weather

16. Supervising Work and Responding to Unsafe Behaviours

• Maintaining active oversight of work zones during high-risk tasks
• Correcting unsafe acts and reinforcing procedures
• Escalating concerns to site supervisors or WHS reps

17. Emergency Preparedness and Response Procedures

• Ensuring availability of first aid kits and trained personnel
• Developing spill response plans for cement and fuel leaks
• Practising incident response drills for major injuries or chemical exposure

18. Building a Culture of Safety in Concreting Teams

• Encouraging daily safety discussions and observations
• Recognising proactive behaviour and hazard reporting
• Embedding safety into planning, delivery, and review processes

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.