Many of the most common welding injuries occur because appropriate safety precautions were not taken or recommended safety gear was not worn.
- Burns – The ultraviolet radiation emitted during welding can burn exposed skin and is particularly harmful to the eyes.
- Electric shock – Shocks happen when a welder touches two metal objects that have a voltage difference between them.
- Metal and gas fume toxicity—Short–term exposure can cause Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure can damage the lungs, liver, and nervous system and cause cancer of the larynx, lungs, and urinary tract.
- Welder’s Flash or Arc Eye: A common type of burn injury experienced by welders is photokeratitis, which is medically known as photokeratitis. It can occur when the cornea and the membrane covering the whites of the eyes (conjunctiva) are exposed to an intense flash of ultraviolet radiation from the welder’s torch. The painful condition may present up to 12 hours after exposure.
- Symptoms may also include eye redness, tearing, irritation, vision impairment, and light sensitivity. The injury from a single exposure will typically heal in a few days without lasting damage. However, repeated exposure can result in the development of cataracts and, in some cases, a rare cancer known as ocular melanoma.
Injury Risks Faced by Welders
Though the environment in which welding is performed can undoubtedly increase the risk of injury, the welding process’s most common injury risks encountered by welders are by-products.
Arc welding is the most common way of fusing pieces. The light emitted from arc welding contains ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Like the sun, the ultraviolet radiation from welding can burn exposed skin and eyes. Prolonged exposure can lead to developing cancer.
Welding also emits chemicals into the air. As the metal piece and the metal filler are being melted to be fused, a smoke containing harmful metals and gases is produced. Breathing the fume is toxic, and prolonged exposure can result in respiratory issues, internal organ damage, and cancer. Some gases reduce available oxygen and can create a suffocation hazard if ventilation is poor.
Most Dangerous Welding Jobs
The environment where welding is performed can elevate the risk of accidents and injury. Performing welding in the following environments is more dangerous for workers because of the conditions under which the work is done.
Underwater Welding
Underwater welding is one of the most dangerous jobs. An underwater welder is both a welder and a diver. Underwater welding is necessary to maintain and repair submerged marine structures – like offshore oil rigs and pipelines. Underwater welders use electricity and rely on safety equipment to remain alive underwater. They may be exposed to electrocution, explosions, hazardous materials, and drowning.
Welding in the Oil and Gas Industry
Workers in the oil and gas industry know the danger of sparks and flames where flammable liquids and gases are present. Welders may work in confined spaces where ventilation is inadequate and are at risk for injury from fires, explosions, and exposure to toxic substances.
Construction Welding
Welders in the construction industry are responsible for ensuring the structural integrity of large building projects such as bridges and skyscrapers.
Welders working on construction sites work in dangerous locations and are at risk of many construction injuries.
Welders can work at significant heights and in confined spaces. An electric shock while working hundreds of feet off the ground could result in a fatal fall.
Pipeline Welding
Pipeline welders work on the network of pipes that carry fuel and water to cities and towns across the country. They may have to work in remote locations and under unfavorable environmental conditions. Pipeline welders face risks similar to welders in the oil and gas industry.
Contact Our Welding Injury Lawyers
If you have been injured in a welding or other accident at work, contact J.D. Silva & Associates for a free consultation. The Pearland law offices of J.D. Silva & Associates represent welders and other workers injured on the job in the Houston area. Our work injury attorneys thoroughly investigate work injuries and identify all responsible parties so we can pursue the maximum available compensation for our clients. Contact Us Today.