Pumping contractor campaign clarifies concrete site safety responsibilities

The American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA) launched a major safety campaign at World of Concrete 2023 to bring heightened awareness of ASME B30.27, the Safety Standard for Material Placement Systems. “Safer Together: Prevent. Protect. Partner!” highlights the responsibilities of each trade working with or around a concrete pump under the standard toward the ultimate goal of keeping every person on a job site safe. 

“We saw an industry need to ensure that everyone on the job site has a clear understanding of their responsibilities under the ASME B30.27 standard,” said ACPA Executive Director Christi Collins. “Our goal of this campaign is to encourage partnering across all the trades because, when we all work together, we create a safer environment for everyone.”

The cornerstone of the campaign is a new microsite: WeAreSaferTogether.org. It offers key insights to all who work with or around concrete pump equipment; serves as an educational resource to familiarize all parties with ASME B30.27; and, includes videos, downloadable flyers, job site responsibilities by trade, plus FAQs. The B30.27 standard is intended to prevent or minimize injury to workers and otherwise provide for the protection of life, limb and property by prescribing safety requirements. It informs manufacturers, owners, employers, users and others concerned with or responsible for its application, and guides governments and other regulatory bodies in the development, promulgation and enforcement of appropriate safety directives. Since its premier edition in 2005, the standard has gone through reviews on five-year intervals—revisions including the addition of a competency requirement, “signalperson” designation, and job site responsibilities. While the most recent (2020) version of the standard contains some revisions and redesignations, there were no changes to the job site responsibilities established in the 2014 version. 

“By raising awareness and providing valuable resources, this campaign will help construction trades prevent accidents, protect their workers and partner together to heighten safety awareness for everyone on a job site,” noted ACPA Safety Director Tabah Nez. “We are most efficient when everyone is armed with knowledge and then gets involved in the planning process.”

Throughout 2023 and beyond, the ACPA will continue to expand the campaign’s impact by inviting associations and organizations across all trades to join in and support the effort. In addition, the WeAreSaferTogether.org site will be regularly updated to provide content and resources educating, encouraging and empowering those on job sites to do their part to keep everyone safe. 

“The success of the campaign is dependent on the collaboration of many,” Collins affirmed. “We are thankful for the industry leaders, including the American Society of Concrete Contractors, Concrete Foundations Association and Tilt-Up Concrete Association, who have stepped up to support this campaign. Together, we will raise awareness and help create a safer work environment for everyone.”