- Burns from fire, due to constant sparks or the possible presence of flammable materials, including gasoline and solvents
- Burns from extreme heat exposure to ultraviolet rays emitted by the welding process
- Welding Arc Flash Eye Injuries. Injuries to the eyes are common due to excessive heat or exposure to the intense ultraviolet rays that are part of the welding process, commonly called “arc eye”
- Lightheadedness and risk of falls due to inhalation of fumes
- Injuries caused to excessive fatigue because of overwork, from having to work multiple shifts
Many injuries associated with welding can be catastrophic and life-altering for workers. While many injuries have the potential to limit your ability to work, they can also have a negative effect on other parts of a worker’s life. It is often necessary for the injured welder to undergo extensive medical treatment and even long-term rehabilitation, which can mean they are unable to return to work for an extended period of time; some take months or years to recover, and many become permanently disabled.
How to Avoid Welding Injuries
The tremendous amount of potential risk is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has put in place so many regulations to protect welders. For example, welders are required to wear safety shoes and masks equipped with protective lenses designed to prevent burns and eye injuries.
It is also necessary for welders to work in properly ventilated areas, in order to minimize the risk of inhalation of gases and particulates that are produced during the welding process. In addition to providing welders and their assistants with the proper personal protective equipment and the proper training, employers and others responsible for the workplace are required to inspect and assess all aspects of the worksite.
Understanding Welding Injury Risks
Welding is one of the most regulated areas in several industries, especially the construction industry, and the reason for that is, it’s among the most dangerous occupations anywhere. Yet, despite the heavy regulations designed to protect the health of a welder and mandates on the part of federal and Texas state regulators that make employers, contractors and subcontractors responsible for every worker safety, too many accidents continue to happen, leading to a great many serious injuries.
Dangerous Environments
Welders are often required to work in a variety of high risk environments. From manufacturing plants with highly flammable chemicals and oil products, to unregulated construction sites, welders are at risk of industrial accidents. Welders at construction sites are often required to work in very confined spaces, or on scaffolding. Welders that work in oilfields work outdoors often in bad weather and on dangerous explosive equipment such as pipelines and tank farms.
Falling
Welders working in construction often work on scaffolding or platform that are high above the ground. This puts these workers at a severe construction injury risk of falling.
Dangerous Equipment
In many cases, welders are also required to lift heavy objects and to work in awkward positions, such as standing and working overhead, or in a bent or crouched position, which can also lead to a greater potential for injury.
Welding Accident Lawyer
Whenever a worker has been injured in an accident that may have been caused by the failure of an employer or other responsible party to follow the regulations covering welding, that worker may be entitled to compensation by filing a claim against the owner or general contractor. You may even be eligible to file a lawsuit if you already receive workers compensation.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a welding accident, the Work Injury Attorneys at the Liggett Law Group have the skills and expertise to help you fight for your rights. Contact us to schedule a free consultation, and we will look at the facts to find out where you stand and what you may be entitled to.