Welders, brazers, solderers, and cutters work in a wide variety of industries to join together, or weld, various metals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 404,800 welders in the United States, mainly working in the manufacturing and construction industries. Welding is, by nature, a dangerous industry, putting workers and bystanders at-risk for serious and sometimes deadly injuries when exposed to welding hazards and defective welding equipment.
If you have been injured in a welding equipment accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
Types of Welding Injuries
The process of welding produces several types of hazards for workers including hot sparks, metal shards, and radiation that can be harmful to workers’ eyes and skin. In addition to the risks that welding itself brings, welders are often exposed to other dangers while working within other industries.
The most common types of welding injuries include:
- Fume injuries – The fumes produced during welding are made of solid particles. These particles can be deposited into the workers’ lungs and depending on the materials used, can cause many health issues.
- Skin injuries – Welding produces UV radiation which can burn the skin and cause cancer with long-term exposure.
- Eye injuries – The UV radiation and bright light produced when welding can cause serious eye injuries to the eye surface and retina which can lead to cataracts and blindness.
- Electrical shock – Electrical shock is one of the most common types of accidents a welder can face. Typically, these accidents occur when two metal parts that have a voltage between them touch or when a welder touches an electrical circuit while his body touches the material he is welding.
Because welding is dangerous, it is important that welders utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Welding Safety
Due to the unique hazards of the welding, proper ventilation and protective gear is essential to keep safe. OSHA has strict safety guidelines that employers must follow so that welders are kept safe while performing their jobs. Some of these requirements include:
- Ventilation-Confined spaces can trap harmful gasses produced during the welding process.
- Protective clothing-OSHA requires those that are welding to wear protective clothing to prevent radiation exposure and burns.
- Protective eye gear-Dependent on the type of welding being performed, welders should wear helmets, shields, and/or goggles to protect the eyes from hot sparks, metal shards, and radiation.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to negligence on the job site or a defective product, an experienced personal injury lawyer can review your claim and determine if there were unsafe working conditions, potential OSHA violations, and other hazards that may have existed at the time of your accident. They will also determine who may be liable for your injuries and damages and what compensation you may be entitled to.
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Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 1,000 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 135 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
