Most jobs are now using silos and bulk mortar bags in making mortar. We believe this is less hazardous than using 90 lbs. individual bags to make mortar considering each bag must be manually lifted from a stack and put on top of the mixer, posing more of a chance for lifting strains. Just because the bulk mortar is less hazardous does not mean there are no hazards involved.

One such hazard was brought to our attention not long ago and is not the first time I have heard of it. It came in the form of a Near Miss. The forklift operator had lifted the bulk mortar bag with the forklift and a second crew member began to pull the plastic off of the bag while it was elevated. While pulling down on the plastic the straps holding the bag ripped loose from the bag and it came crashing to the ground. These bags weight a ton and could cripple or kill a man if it were to land on him.

As I said, this was a near miss and no one was hurt because a safety rule was being followed. What safety rule was it? DON’T GET UNDER A SUSPENDED LOAD! We have heard this rule over and over again and thankfully it was being followed that day.

MORTAR MIXERS HERE!