Safety in Concrete Cutting & Drilling: Standards, Hazards & Mitigation

Core Drill

Concrete cutting and drilling are vital parts of modern construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects. They allow for precision openings, controlled demolition, and structural modification. Yet, behind every clean cut lies the potential for serious risk if the work isn’t handled by qualified professionals. At Kansas City Coring & Cutting, safety isn’t just a policy — it’s our culture. Our team operates under the strictest safety standards in the industry and proudly maintains an Experience Modification Rate (EMR) of .78, a rating that reflects our commitment to safety, training, and excellence on every jobsite.

Understanding the Hazards
Concrete cutting involves powerful machinery, high-speed diamond blades, and pressurized water systems. When improperly managed, these elements can create hazards such as flying debris, electrical exposure, and severe vibration injuries.

One of the most significant risks in concrete work is silica dust. Cutting or drilling releases microscopic silica particles that can lead to serious respiratory illnesses if not properly controlled. In addition, workers face potential hazards from kickback, blade or bit failure, and accidental contact with embedded rebar or post-tension cables. Recognizing and mitigating these dangers before work begins is critical to ensuring safety and maintaining project integrity.

Safety Standards and Compliance
Kansas City Coring & Cutting adheres to all OSHA and ANSI safety regulations governing concrete cutting, drilling, and dust control. Before every project, our team conducts a full site assessment to identify potential hazards, plan equipment placement, and establish ventilation and water control procedures.

To mitigate silica exposure, we use wet-cutting methods, HEPA-filtered vacuum systems, and comprehensive PPE including respirators, eye and hearing protection, and protective gear. Regular maintenance and inspection of tools ensure every machine operates at peak safety performance.

Our low .78 EMR rating is not achieved by accident. It reflects consistent safety training, a culture of accountability, and a track record of performing complex, high-risk projects without incident. This rating places us well below the industry average, which means clients can trust us to deliver superior results with minimal risk.

Technology and Training That Protect Workers
Modern safety isn’t just about policies — it’s about technology and expertise. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning is standard practice before drilling to locate embedded cables, rebar, and utilities. Remote and hydraulic systems allow operators to work safely at a distance, reducing physical exposure and strain.

Every member of our field team undergoes ongoing safety and equipment certification to ensure that best practices are applied consistently in real-world conditions.

A Culture of Safety and Professionalism
Safety defines who we are. From the initial jobsite walkthrough to the final cleanup, Kansas City Coring & Cutting follows a disciplined process designed to protect our team, our clients, and every surrounding structure. With decades of experience and an EMR rating that proves our commitment, we’ve earned a reputation as one of the safest and most reliable concrete cutting companies in the Midwest. If your project demands precision, performance, and a proven safety record, contact Kansas City Coring & Cutting today to schedule a consultation or request an estimate.

KC Coring & Cutting Construction, Inc.
7240 Central St.
Kansas City, MO 64114

816-523-2015