Common Treatments for Concrete Burns

If wet concrete makes contact with your eyes or skin, it can cause significant damage, including severe burns. You should flush your eyes and skin with cold running water for 20 minutes to slow the burning process and then immediately seek medical attention.

Treatments on the job

If wet concrete makes contact with your eyes, you should flush your eyes for 15 minutes with cold, running water. Seek medical attention immediately after flushing your eyes. 

If wet concrete has made contact with your skin, take the following actions:  

1. Remove any clothing that has been contaminated
2. Brush any dry concrete off the skin and wash your skin with running water for 20 minutes
3. You can use household vinegar in addition to water to help wash your skin, as it is known to neutralize the basic nature of wet concrete 

Note: Do not use vinegar to wash your eyes

Note: Do not use skin-softening lotions

While it may seem that using skin-softening lotion would help with you skin burns, lotion can actually trap the caustic material in your skin, causing your burns to get worse. 

Wet concrete is dangerous. A doctor should address even minor skin problems caused by wet concrete. 

Source: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/concrete_manufacturing.html

Look for warning signs

The earlier you detect your exposure to wet concrete, the better chance you have at preventing serious burns. Never assume that your skin will not get worse. Some common symptoms that you should look for:

• Itching
• Blistering
• Dry or cracking skin
• Sores
• Pain/discomfort

Prevention is the best treatment

Concrete burns are prevented with the right precautions. You should always follow OSHA guidelines when working with wet concrete. Before working on a job site, employees should be instructed on the hazards that are associated with wet concrete.  Safety precautions should be in place to prevent serious skin injuries. Protective equipment should always be used when working with wet concrete and job sites should be properly equipped to provide a safe working environment.

Source: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/concrete_manufacturing.html

Eye Treatment Steps:

In the event of eye contact with wet concrete, immediately flush your eyes with cold, running water for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial to minimize the harmful effects of the alkaline substance. After flushing, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly to ensure proper care and to prevent any long-term damage to the eyes.

Skin Treatment Steps:

If you come into contact with wet concrete, immediately take action to reduce skin damage. Start by removing any clothing that has been contaminated. Gently brush off any dry concrete from your skin. Rinse the affected area thoroughly with running water for at least 20 minutes. Additionally, applying household vinegar to the skin can help neutralize the basic nature of wet concrete. Remember, do not use vinegar for eye treatment and avoid skin-softening lotions, as they can worsen the condition.

Warning Signs of Concrete Exposure:

Early detection of concrete exposure is key to preventing serious burns. Be vigilant for any signs of skin irritation following contact with wet concrete. Common symptoms to watch for include itching, blistering, dry or cracked skin, sores, and pain or discomfort. Recognizing these symptoms promptly can help in taking immediate action to minimize skin damage and seeking necessary medical treatment.

Prevention Guidelines:

Preventing concrete burns involves strict adherence to safety protocols. Always follow OSHA guidelines when handling wet concrete. Prioritize wearing appropriate protective equipment, including gloves and long-sleeved clothing, to shield your skin. Educate all workers about the risks of wet concrete and the importance of safety precautions. Ensuring a well-informed and properly equipped workforce is crucial in preventing serious skin injuries and ensuring a safe working environment on job sites.