Preventing skin injuries

Concrete Producer, The, August, 2004

The Handbook of Skin Protection for Concrete and Masonry Work tackles a top issue on OSHA's agenda--exposure to hexavalent chromium. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit asked OSHA to publish a proposed rule for hexavalent chromium by Oct. 4, and a final state valent chromium is used as a structural and anti-corrosive agent in many products, including portland cement.

A cost-effective, multi-component strategy for preventing many types of cement-related skin problems, including hexavalent chromium, are discussed in The Handbook of Skin Protection for Concrete and Masonry Work. Authors Marilyn Larson and Rod Wolford completed literature reviews, field surveys, innovative product development and field testing of products, materials, and procedures. They discuss the best methods for protecting skin when working with wet cement.

The book explains the realities of working with wet cement. A chapter on the best protective practices outlines solutions, including using pH-neutral soaps, washing work clothes separately, and wearing long sleeves and tapered gloves.

The Handbook of Skin Protection for Concrete and Masonry Work covers recognizing skin problems, worksite exposures, how to measure pH onsite, best protective practices, field tests of gloves and skin rinses, and more.

The book contains handy copier-ready handouts for supervisors to share with their employees, including a Worker Safety Pamphlet, Best Practices Checklist, Symptoms Checklist, Toolbox Booklets, and Symptoms Questionnaire.

It benefits finishers, concrete truck drivers, carpenters, other cement-exposed workers such as bricklayers, hod carriers, terrazzo workers, tile setters, and stucco workers.

The book costs $33. Order it at www.wocbookstore.com or at 800-323-3550. For quantity discounts, contact Norma Ciaglia at 630-705-2573, or e-mail nciaglia@hanleywood.com.