Accident Alert - Workers Burned by Wet Concrete
Incident
Two construction workers received third-degree burns, requiring skin grafts, after kneeling in wet concrete for up to an hour.
What Happened
The two employees, wearing cotton overalls, knelt on top of wet concrete to level the floor of the sump shown in the photograph. They exposed the skin on their shins and knees to the wet concrete for between 30 minutes to an hour before noticing any discomfort. They then showered and drove one and a half hours for medical assistance. They were hospitalised for eight days.
Preventative Action
Wet concrete is strongly alkaline (pH 12.0 approximately) and prolonged contact with skin will cause chemical burns, which in severe cases has lead to amputations of legs and hands. By the time a person has become aware of cement burns the damage has already been done. The burn can continue to get worse even after the cement has been rinsed off.
Do not expose skin to wet concrete or cement.
Inform employees of the dangers of working with concrete and ensure that employees use heavy grade PVC gloves, boots and protective clothing to protect skin from contact with wet concrete.
Issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Service, Department of Labour, New Zealand http://www.osh.govt.nz
July 2004
