Labor protection and health care in small cement plants

With the ongoing improvements in labor protection and healthcare for small cement plants, a significant number of new homes have been constructed in both urban and rural areas, making cement the primary building material. As a result, demand for cement has surged. To meet this growing need, many townships and local communities have established their own small cement plants, which have become key local enterprises. These small-scale facilities produce large quantities of cement, effectively meeting the needs of rural housing construction and alleviating the supply-demand gap. However, the working environment and conditions in these plants are often poor, leading to numerous health issues. It is crucial to prioritize labor protection and health care to safeguard workers' well-being and ensure smooth production operations.

Two major health concerns exist in small cement plants: first, workers are exposed to cement dust, which can lead to cement pneumoconiosis; second, they are at higher risk of heatstroke due to the high-temperature working conditions. Therefore, it is essential for cement plants to focus on addressing these two critical issues. Cement pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of cement dust during the production process. Cement is primarily composed of amorphous silicates, and the production process generates a significant amount of dust. The raw materials used vary depending on the type of cement, including limestone, clay, shale, iron ore, slag, coal ash, and gypsum. The production process typically involves two main stages: raw meal preparation and clinker production.

The raw meal production stage includes crushing and drying of raw materials, which generates a large amount of dust. This phase is particularly hazardous because the dust contains a high concentration of free silica, which is a major contributor to the severity of the health risks. The level of danger is largely determined by the amount of free silica present in the dust. In contrast, the clinker production stage, which involves calcination and packaging, also produces dust but with lower levels of free silica, making it less harmful. Workers involved in other parts of the process are mainly exposed to mixed dust and cement powder, which still pose significant health risks.

Cement pneumoconiosis usually develops over a long period and progresses slowly, with few noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Diagnosis is often based on changes observed in chest X-rays. Additionally, long-term exposure to cement dust can irritate the respiratory system and skin, potentially leading to chronic bronchitis, asthma, allergic dermatitis, conjunctivitis, corneal opacity, or nasal ulcers. These health effects highlight the importance of implementing effective safety measures and protective equipment in small cement plants to protect workers’ health and maintain sustainable operations.

This website solemnly declares: This article is a reprint from online media, and it only represents the author's point of view, not necessarily that of this site. If any news articles or comments infringe upon your legal rights, please contact us, and we will handle it promptly.