Wet Concrete in a Boot Is a Reason to Stop

Controls to confirm

• Keep wet cement off the body: plan placing and finishing from a suitable working position, using longer-handled tools where practicable. Minimise kneeling on wet cement-based materials; where kneeling is necessary, provide suitable waterproof knee protection or a knee board. Do not use bare hands to move or smooth the mix.
• Prevent entry into protective clothing: select waterproof gloves suitable for alkaline cement and the task duration, plus suitable waterproof safety boots. Keep trouser legs over boot tops as HSE advises, and ensure boots are high enough for the exposure. Check gloves, boots and protective clothing for damage and keep their interiors clean and dry.
• Stop and decontaminate promptly: if wet concrete gets inside a boot, glove or clothing, leave the exposure area safely and remove the contaminated items. Wash affected skin immediately with clean, cool running water and pH-neutral soap. Alert the first aider and seek immediate medical assessment for a suspected cement burn; do not wait for pain. For an eye splash, start flushing with clean water immediately and obtain urgent medical help.

Today’s action

Before today's concrete or mortar work, walk the team to the washing and eyewash facilities. Confirm the required protective clothing is ready and agree that contamination means an immediate stop, not waiting for the next break.

Source guidance

Authoritative guidance checked 18 October 2026. Apply the legal requirements and approved procedures for your location.

• UK HSE — Cement: avoiding contact, waterproof protection and washing facilities
• US OSHA — Preventing Skin Problems from Working with Portland Cement: delayed pain, prompt washing and medical assessment
• CDC/NIOSH — Portland cement: preventing skin and eye contact and immediate first aid