Information on this page is drawn from "Concrete Form Solution" published by the Travelers Insurance Company

Concrete Form Risks

Building and stripping concrete forms is strenuous work, requiring heavy lifting, awkward body postures and repetitive motion. Factors such as the following can influence a person's risk of injury:

• The type of form used, i.e. wood, SYMONS, PERI.
• Assembly of the form while in a poor posture, i.e. bent over at the waist, reaching overhead.
• Walking on uneven surfaces, i.e. rebar.

Related Injuries

• Low back strain
• Low back disc injury
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Shoulder strain

Guidelines for building and stripping concrete forms

Minimize your risk of injury by following these guidelines

Selection, Set-up and Maintenance of Concrete Forms

• Choose the right form for the job.
• Minimize strenuous and repetitive tasks during construction.
• Minimize concrete adhereing to the form by using clean forms and high grade form release (form oil).

Building Concrete Forms

• Locate materials close to where the forms will be built.
• Encourage "team" lifting, balance the load, use dollies or forklift if possible.
• Preassemble at a comfortable working height. Avoid bending at the waist.

Stripping Concrete Forms

• Keep work area clean and free of debris
• Use longer pry bars
• Use pulling devices like come-a-longs.
• Use a form truck, crane or forklift to move forms around the job site.

General Safety

Select and maintain the forms you use. Encourage proper handling of forms. Minimize over exertion during form stripping.

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Concrete Form Solution