The American Concrete Pumping Association and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association announced a new partnership under the We Are Safer Together Coalition, an industry-wide campaign aimed at reducing accidents and injuries on concrete pump job sites.
This collaboration represents a significant step forward in advancing job site safety through heightened awareness of the ASME B30.27-2025 safety standard for Material Placement Systems — which, when followed, elevates safety for all trades working on concrete pumping jobs.
The partnership follows ASME B30.27's late 2025 update, which introduced critical clarifications to address compliance concerns raised by ready mixed concrete producers. These updates were the result of a cooperative effort between the ASME B30.27 committee and NRMCA to refine language in the standard, ensuring it is both practical and effective for all stakeholders.
"ACPA applauds the ASME B30.27 committee for working closely with NRMCA to address these concerns," said Christi Collins, ACPA executive director. "The updated standard provides clear guidance that enhances safety while addressing the unique challenges faced by ready mixed concrete suppliers and drivers. We are thrilled to welcome NRMCA as a partner in our We Are Safer Together campaign."
"NRMCA is proud to join the We Are Safer Together Coalition," said Joe Roche, NRMCA interim president and chief financial officer. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to improving safety across the industry. The updated standard provides much-needed clarity for ready mixed concrete producers, and we look forward to working with ACPA and Coalition members to promote it."
Key Updates in ASME B30.27-2025
ASME B30.27 is intended to prevent or minimize injuries to workers and protect life, limb and property by prescribing safety requirements. It provides direction to manufacturers, owners, employers, users and other stakeholders, while also serving as a guide for governments and other regulatory bodies in developing, promulgating and enforcing appropriate safety directives.
The 2025 updates include new language that ensures material supplier drivers are not held accountable for conditions they cannot physically observe. Revisions in the standard are as follows:
27-3.1.3.4 Responsibilities of Liquid Structural Material Suppliers (page 20)
The liquid structural material supplier (typically the ready-mixed concrete supplier) brings the material from the batch plant to the job site. They shall be responsible for the batching, transportation, quality of components, uniformity of components and delivery into the material placement system. They are not responsible for the design of the mix, unless specifically asked to provide a design.
27-3.1.3.4.1 The liquid structural material supplier's responsibilities shall include the following:
• Providing a mix consisting of the material components specified;
• delivering the material according to the specified time criteria; and
• training of the liquid structural material supplier drivers about the duties and hazards of working with material placement systems.
27-3.1.3.4.2 The liquid structural material supplier driver's responsibilities shall include the following:
• Maintaining material in the hopper at a level above the agitator and below the hopper grate;
• notifying the material placement system operator or, if unable to do so, activating the emergency controls when the mixer truck is empty or air has been observed entering the material placement system; and
• notifying the material placement system operator or, if unable to do so, activating the emergency controls if foreign material is observed discharging from the mixer truck into the hopper.
Additional updates were made to the B30 Standard Introduction, Section 27-0.3 (References to Other Codes and Standards, page 1) and other areas to enhance clarity and usability:
27-0.2 Definitions (page 3)
The definition of shortrigging was revised to "the practice of not fully extending one or more outriggers during boom operations."
27-3.1.3.2.2 The Pour Supervisor's Responsibilities (page 18)
Subparagraph (b) was revised to state "allowing material placement system operation near electric power lines only when the requirements of para. 27-3.1.6 [Operating of Boom or Conveyor Near Electric Power Lines; page 21] and any additional requirements determined by the site supervisor have been met, including appointing a spotter who meets the requirements of para. 27-3.1.6.3 when the capability to enter a danger zone exists."
Figure 27-3.3.2-1 Material Placement System Hand Signals (page 25)
Two hand signals were added: (15) OK to Approach Hose and (16) Move Away From Hose.
"These updates are a significant step forward in creating safer job sites," said Collins. "When each trade understands their responsibilities and collaborates to meet these obligations, we foster a safer work environment for everyone."
Why This Partnership Matters
The partnership between ACPA and NRMCA underscores the importance of cooperation across trades in promoting job site safety. By joining the We Are Safer Together Coalition, NRMCA brings its extensive network of ready mixed concrete producers into the fold, amplifying the campaign's reach and impact.
"Safety is a shared responsibility," said Roche. "By working together, we can ensure that every stakeholder on a concrete pump job site understands their role in creating a safer work environment. This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving that goal."
Join the Coalition
We Are Safer Together highlights the roles and responsibilities of each trade working with or around a concrete pump under ASME B30.27. The campaign's ultimate goal is to reduce accidents and injuries through education, awareness and collaboration.
The campaign's success relies on the active participation of trade associations, concrete contractors, material suppliers and other stakeholders. Coalition members, including the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), Concrete Foundations Association (CFA), Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) and World of Concrete, receive recognition on the campaign website and access to promotional materials, including equipment decals, to share with employees, members and project partners.
For more information, visit wearesafertogether.org.
