Welding is among the most hazardous jobs in construction and manufacturing. From burns, temporary blindness (welders flash), to electrocution, the job of welding can be downright dangerous. Add exposure to toxic chemicals released from welding rods, and workers have an increased risk of serious lung, brain, and nerve damage including manganism, known as Welder’s Parkinson’s disease.
Welder Burn Injuries
It takes a tremendous amount of heat to put two pieces of metal together. Whether you are welding outdoors using MMA welding or indoors with a GMAW system, hot spatter and sparks can cause burns and ignite materials it comes into contact with, including worker’s clothing. Welders are at higher risk of burn injuries on the job – working with hot materials goes with the territory, so safety is paramount.
Workplace Electrocution
Of course, anywhere there is an electrical current, there is a possibility of an electrocution, injuries which are all too common for workers in construction. There are a number of precautions that should be taken from grounding equipment to PPE which can protect from electrical welding injuries. When safety rules are ignored or training is absent, welders can get hurt working around electrical currents.
Arc Eye Injuries
Arc Eye or flash burns can occur when a welder is not given the proper eye protection or are not trained to keep a safe distance from the ultraviolet light produced during welding. Although many cases of welders flash are temporary, causing dryness and irritation, some incidents result in permanent retinal damage.
Toxins Associated With Welding
There are a number of dangerous chemicals workers come into contact with on a regular basis. For welders, manganese, and element that can destroys brains cells and cause nerve damage, can be inhaled when manganese is release from welding rods, electrodes and wire. Dementia, ataxia, manganism can result making the wearing of a respirator crucial to workers on the job.
Contact Our Experienced Welder Injuries Lawyers
Welding one of the fastest-growing professions in America, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting the need for welders growing by over 25 percent in 2020 alone. Implementing and enforcing safety procedures to reduce hazards and regular training are key elements to preventing welding accidents and welder injuries on the job. If you are injured in your workplace, contact the workplace injury lawyers of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson PC for immediate assistance.