Concrete Industry Groups Unite Around Updated Job Site Safety Standards

Image provided courtesy of We Are Safer Together Coalition

Two major organizations in the concrete construction industry are joining forces to strengthen job site safety efforts across the United States.

The American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA) and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) recently announced a new partnership under the We Are Safer Together Coalition, a campaign focused on reducing accidents and injuries on concrete pump job sites.

The collaboration follows updates to the ASME B30.27-2025 safety standard for Material Placement Systems, which introduced several clarifications aimed at improving safety responsibilities and operational consistency across trades.

According to the organizations, the revised standard addresses concerns raised by ready mixed concrete producers, particularly around accountability for conditions drivers cannot physically observe during pumping operations.

The updated language outlines clearer responsibilities for material suppliers and drivers, including maintaining proper hopper levels, reporting foreign material entering the system, and activating emergency controls when necessary.

Additional revisions include updated definitions surrounding shortrigging practices, expanded guidance for operating near power lines, and two new standardized hand signals for hose communication. Industry leaders say the changes are intended to improve clarity, accountability, and communication between crews working around concrete pumping equipment.

“Safety is a shared responsibility,” said Joe Roche, NRMCA interim president and chief financial officer, in a recent press release.

The partnership also expands the reach of the We Are Safer Together campaign by bringing ready mixed concrete producers into a broader coalition that already includes organizations such as the American Society of Concrete Contractors, the Concrete Foundations Association, the Tilt-Up Concrete Association, and World of Concrete.

The campaign focuses on educating contractors, suppliers, operators, and crews about the roles and responsibilities defined within the ASME B30.27 standard. Coalition members also receive access to educational and promotional materials designed to reinforce safe job site practices.

As construction projects become increasingly complex and job site coordination becomes more critical, industry groups continue placing greater emphasis on standardized communication and clearly defined operational responsibilities. The ACPA and NRMCA partnership reflects a growing recognition that cooperation across trades is vital in improving job site safety.