Posted by : attorney stevelee

Key Facts Welders Must Know to Avoid Serious Injuries

It’s true that welding doesn’t usually entail the type of death-defying heights or heavy machinery risks often thought of in construction. However, the long- and short-term risks for the welding profession are surprisingly high. In fact, while welding may not always seem dangerous, there’s the possibility of serious injury or even death smoldering at the end of every torch.

On-the-Job Injuries for Welders

Welding puts workers on a face-to-face basis with dangerous gases, hazardous and explosive materials, scorching flames, and much, much more. As a result of these hazards, welding accidents can cause both short-term and long-term injuries

Short-term damage

Welding projects often require the use of flammable gases to ignite the torch, and soft metals to solder. In some cases, toxic chemicals may also be present in the vicinity of the torch. In other words, welders are situated in a mostly closed area along with flammable gases, a fire source, hot metal, and toxic fumes…what could possibly go wrong?

The most common and immediate injuries suffered by welders include severe burns, abrasions, and broken bones from fires or explosions. Severe brain and internal injuries have also been reported as a result of falls and building collapses.

Long-term damage

Many doctors and medical professionals have found that long-term welders often suffer eye, throat, respiratory system, and internal organ damage as a result of their career. Long-term exposure to welding gases, manganese fumes from metal, and ultraviolet radiation produced by arc welding can all cause irreversible damage. These problems, when left undiagnosed, can cause a variety of complications, pain, and financial costs.

The costs of welding accidents

The costs associated with these injuries can add up quickly.

  • First, you have your medical bills and the prospect of extended care.
  • Second, you have the financial weight of not only daily expenses but also of lost wages from missed work.
  • Lastly, there are the very real costs of emotional losses for you and your family.

The Best Solution to Welding Injuries: Avoid Them in the First Place

Welding accidents can happen without a moment’s notice, and at nearly any time. Welders are at risk of explosions, fires, exposure to gases, and structure collapses of buildings where they work. Furthermore, the threat of long-term injuries are always looming overhead. However, there are numerous actions you can take to help minimize the dangers and keep yourself and coworkers safe. These include:

  • Follow safety instructions. Always read and comply with safety instructions on welding torches.
  • Weld in a safe environment. Never weld in water or around combustible elements; never weld on top of a dangerous object, and never work in a place that you feel is unsafe
  • Communicate and stay informed. Never mess with another person’s equipment without notifying him first. Always make sure you know exactly what you are welding and why.
  • Wear safety gear. Your employer is obligated to provide you with safety goggles, gloves, and ventilation equipment when welding and working with hazardous materials. Make sure you have the gear you need and that you wear it responsibly.

While these tips may help you avoid a welding accident and the accompanying injuries, there are never any guarantees. If you or a family member has been injured in a work accident—or is dealing with injuries acquired over a long career—we urge you to contact us today.

Tools You Need to Keep Your Claim Together

Often, the victims of workplace accidents feel as though they’re left out in the cold. However, the legal system offers protection that can provide workers an opportunity to recover the financial compensation they’ve earned and deserve. This money, which comes in the form of damages for specific or general injuries, may be attributed to a workers’ compensation program or directly through a personal injury suit.

No matter the eventual destination of your legal case, a good first step for all potential litigants is to contact an experienced welding injury attorney. We can guide you through the early stages of your case, and ensure all aspects of your claim are bonded together as strongly as possible. For more information, or to schedule a FREE consultation, call Steve Lee today at 800-232-3711.

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