Despite regulation by the US government, professional welders are still among the most vulnerable to work-related injuries. According to Zippia, the US is home to over 402,000 professional welders working in different industries.
Welding involves handling molten metal, using heavy machinery, and brute force, which puts workers at risk of work-related injuries. Below, we’ll highlight some of the most common welding injuries.
Welder’s Flash
Welder’s flash, or photokeratitis, occurs when the welder directly exposes their eyes to ultraviolet rays. The welding process creates intense UV rays that harm the eye, especially with prolonged exposure. Welder’s flash causes red, dry, and teary eyes, sometimes with a burning sensation. Welders can avoid this by wearing welders’ masks or coated safety goggles.
Eye and Face Injuries
Welding is an intricate job that requires welders to pay close attention to whatever they’re working on. This puts their face and eyes in close proximity to airborne debris, extreme heat, and toxic chemicals. These substances put the face and eyes at risk of cuts, burns, and bruises. Wearing a welder’s mask protects welders from such injuries.
Hearing Damage
Long-term exposure to noise above 70 decibels leads to hearing damage. Welders must work in loud environments daily while using various tools and instruments. However, they can easily avoid this by wearing ear muffs and ear plugs to block the excess noise. Employers must also enforce safety standards and acquire muffled instruments to protect their welders’ hearing.
Burns
Heat is a key component of welding, melting down metals to make them more malleable and workable. Splashing molten metal can land on welders’ skin, leading to severe burns. Sparks from the welding arch can also burn the eyes. Welders should wear their full PPE, including gloves, boots, and welders’ masks, to avoid burns.
Electrical Shock
Welders work with high-voltage electrical equipment, putting them at risk of electrocution. The welding machine also uses high voltage to create the arch that welds metal objects. Coming into direct contact with the welding machine while grounded will lead to primary shock. While secondary (typically less severe) occurs when welders touch the electrode circuit.
Fires and Explosions
The heat from welding tools can sometimes cause unexpected fires and explosions. The sparks flying from welding rods could land on dry wood or other flammable materials and ignite them. Even worse, the sparks could land on containers of flammable materials like gasoline, causing explosions.
St. Louis Workers Compensation Lawyer
Working as a welder is risky, especially if you don’t take the right precautions while working. By wearing PPE and working cautiously, you can avoid the common injuries associated with the trade. If you get injured, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Contact The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann for help with your workers’ comp claim. Our team of highly qualified lawyers will be more than happy to assist. Call us 24/7 at (314) 361-4300 for a free case evaluation.
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