Protecting Skin from Concrete Burns Toolbox Talk

Wet concrete can burn skin faster than many workers realize. Cement in concrete is caustic, and it can soak through gloves, sleeves, pants, and boots without causing immediate pain. By the time skin starts to sting or burn, real damage may already be happening. Crews are at risk during pouring, screeding, finishing, kneeling, cleanup, and any task where wet concrete gets trapped against the body.

This talk covers how concrete burns happen, where crews usually get exposed, and what steps prevent wet concrete from staying on the skin. The focus is on keeping concrete out of gloves, boots, and clothing, spotting exposure early, and cleaning it off right away before a minor contact turns into a serious injury.

Why This Matters

• Concrete burns can get worse for hours after the exposure starts.
• Workers may not feel pain right away, which makes it easy to ignore early exposure.
• Wet concrete trapped inside gloves, boots, sleeves, or pants can cause severe skin damage.
• Kneeling or standing in fresh concrete for long periods increases the chance of burns.
• Small splashes and soaked clothing can lead to medical treatment, lost work time, and permanent skin damage.

Common Hazards

• Wet concrete getting inside gloves, boots, or sleeves during placement and finishing.
• Kneeling in fresh concrete without waterproof protection.
• Soaked pants or clothing holding concrete against the skin for long periods.
• Workers leaving concrete on their skin until break time or the end of the shift.
• Torn gloves, low-cut boots, or damaged protective gear that lets concrete in.
• Washing up too late after splash exposure on the hands, wrists, legs, or forearms.
• Cold weather, rain, or muddy conditions where crews may not notice soaked clothing or trapped concrete until skin damage has already started.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Wear waterproof gloves, boots, and clothing that keeps wet concrete off the skin.
• Check gloves, boots, knee protection, and sleeves for holes, tears, or worn areas.
• Tuck pants and sleeves so wet concrete cannot easily fall inside.
• Have clean water, soap, and wash supplies ready before concrete work starts.
• Make sure crews know where they can wash off immediately if exposed.
• Plan tasks so workers are not kneeling, standing, or reaching into wet concrete longer than necessary.

During Work

• Wash wet concrete off skin right away. Do not wait for pain or irritation.
• Stop and clean out gloves, boots, or clothing as soon as concrete gets inside.
• Change soaked clothing and gear before going back to work.
• Use waterproof knee boards or proper protection when kneeling near fresh concrete.
• Avoid wiping concrete off with bare hands or rubbing it deeper into the skin.
• Watch coworkers for signs of exposure they may not notice themselves.
• Keep cleanup supplies close to the work area so crews can respond fast.

Crew Talking Points

• Where is wet concrete most likely to get inside gloves, boots, or clothing on this job?
• Does everyone have waterproof gear that is in good enough condition for today's work?
• Where can workers wash off immediately if concrete gets on the skin?
• Which tasks today involve kneeling, standing, or leaning into fresh concrete?
• What early signs of skin exposure should the crew watch for before it becomes a burn?
• Raise any concern now about damaged gear, missing wash supplies, or skin exposure before work starts.

Stop Work If

• Concrete gets inside gloves, boots, sleeves, or clothing and cannot be removed right away.
• Wash water, soap, or cleanup supplies are not available.
• Workers are using torn, soaked, or inadequate protective gear.
• Anyone reports burning, irritation, redness, or numbness after contact with wet concrete.
• The task requires kneeling or standing in wet concrete without proper protection.
• Crew members are continuing work after exposure without cleaning off and changing out.

Final Reminder

Concrete burns do not always hurt right away. Keep wet concrete off your skin, clean it off fast, and do not ignore even small exposures.