Wet Concrete Slip and Splash Hazards Toolbox Talk

Wet concrete creates two significant workplace hazards: slippery walking surfaces and chemical exposure. Fresh concrete is highly alkaline and can cause serious skin burns, eye injuries, and irritation after prolonged or repeated contact. At the same time, spilled or freshly placed concrete can make work areas extremely slippery, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Safe work practices, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and good housekeeping are essential to protect workers during concrete operations.

This toolbox talk reviews the hazards associated with wet concrete and the precautions workers should take to prevent injuries from slips and chemical splashes.

Why This Matters

• Wet concrete can cause serious chemical burns without immediate pain or discomfort.
• Concrete splashes can result in severe eye injuries.
• Fresh concrete creates slippery surfaces that increase fall hazards.
• Prompt cleanup and proper PPE reduce the risk of injuries.
• Recognizing hazards early helps prevent incidents and protect the quality of the work.

Common Hazards

• Slipping on wet concrete or concrete slurry.
• Skin burns from prolonged contact with wet concrete.
• Eye injuries from concrete splashes during pouring, vibrating, or finishing.
• Trips caused by hoses, tools, forms, or uneven walking surfaces around the pour.
• Concrete residue on boots creating slippery conditions.
• Splashing while handling pumps, chutes, buckets, or concrete vibrators.
• Poor housekeeping allowing spills to accumulate.
• Failure to wash off concrete promptly after exposure.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Wear the required PPE, including safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and waterproof boots.
• Inspect walkways and work areas for slip hazards.
• Plan safe access routes around the concrete placement area.
• Ensure clean water, eyewash facilities, and washing supplies are readily available for emergency decontamination where required.
• Inspect hoses, chutes, buckets, and placement equipment for leaks or damage.
• Review procedures for responding to concrete splashes and skin exposure.

During Concrete Operations

• Walk carefully on wet or contaminated surfaces using designated access routes whenever possible.
• Avoid kneeling or standing in wet concrete without appropriate protective equipment.
• Handle hoses, buckets, chutes, and vibrators carefully to minimize splashing.
• Clean spills promptly where it is safe to do so.
• Wash exposed skin immediately if it comes into contact with wet concrete.
• Flush eyes immediately with clean water and seek medical attention if concrete enters the eyes.

Crew Talking Points

• What slip hazards are present around today's concrete work?
• What PPE is required to prevent skin and eye exposure?
• Where are the nearest eyewash and hand-washing facilities?
• What should you do if wet concrete gets inside your gloves or boots?
• How can housekeeping reduce slip hazards during the pour?
• Speak up immediately if you notice slippery conditions, damaged equipment, or workers without appropriate PPE.

Stop Work If

• Slip hazards cannot be adequately controlled.
• Required PPE is unavailable or not being used.
• Concrete placement equipment is leaking or creating uncontrolled splashing.
• Eyewash or emergency washing facilities required for the task are unavailable.
• Workers are exposed to uncontrolled chemical or fall hazards.
• You are unsure how to safely perform the work.

Final Reminder

Wet concrete is more than just a slip hazard—it is also a chemical hazard. Wear the required PPE, keep work areas clean, use caution around wet surfaces, wash off concrete immediately after skin contact, and respond quickly to eye exposures. Safe work habits protect both workers and the quality of the finished concrete.