Caustic Cement Burn in a Nigerian Male: A Surrogate for the State of Occupational Safety in Nigeria

Abstract

Background Cement is an important material used in the construction industry. When mixed with water, it has abrasive, caustic and drying properties that could causeallergic and sensitivity reactions to the skin, chemical skin burns ordamage to the eyes following contact. Cement burns to the skin appears to occur commonly among apprentice masons or individuals who have little knowledge about the hazards of wet cement. Rowe and Williams first reported the adverse effects of wet cement to the skin in 1963. Inadequate knowledge about possible hazards following contact with wet cement is a serious risk factor for the occurrence of caustic cement burn. The aim of this presentation is to ensure that sufficient information is made available to the public, small scale and large scale industries, to reduce and prevent future occurrence of cement burns. This would also reduce sickness absence and employee turn-over rates in industries.

Method The case presentation of a 37 year old male who presented with cement burns and a review of literature using Google and Medline search with the following key words; caustic cement burn; sickness absence; safety standards, personal protective equipment.

Results This report presents the cement burn incident of a 37-year-old mason employed as a contract staff in a medium-scale construction company. He presented with a history of exposure to wet cement for a few hours which led to the occurrence of cement burns on his lower limbs. Clinical findings revealed blister formation with swelling and pain initially, followed by formation of necrotic ulcers. There was also poor compliance of the company in keeping to safety standards and  legislation. The Construction Company did not grant him a statutory sick pay claiming that their absence policies did not cover the contract staff.

Conclusion It is possible to prevent the potential hazards of wet cement through providing sufficient information to employees and the general public and ensuring adequate use of personal protective  equipments. Employers should ensure that workers are qualified for the job they are employed to carry out. Implementation of sickness absence policies and other occupational health legislation especially in small and medium-scale construction companies in Nigeria should be enforced to secure the health and safety of the workers who may not be aware of risk and hazards associated with the jobs.

Keywords Caustic Cement Burn; Occupational Safety; Nigeria.