It’s no secret that occupations involving welding are dangerous. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 560,000employees are injured in welding accidents annually. Welding accidents make up about 25% of fatal workplace accidents and about one third of all non-fatal amputations resulting from workplace accidents.

What kind of workplace injuries are welders at risk for? How can a workers’ compensation attorney help? Let’s get to it.

Most Common Welding Injuries

Welding involves working with dangerous equipment, high heat, and difficult work environments, which often results in workplace injuries. Below are some of the most common workplace accidents experienced by welders.

  • Electrocution can occur when handling high-voltage equipment.
  • Exposure to toxic fumes that are emitted from welding torches. This commonly leads to respiratory issues.
  • Optical injuries are common, but can be prevented by following procedures and wearing the appropriate safety gear in the workplace.
  • Some severe workplace injuries can be caused by fires and explosions.
  • For employees in the underwater welding industry, drowning is a high risk.

As a result of these workplace accidents, the most common workplace injuries experienced by welders include the following.

  • Burns
  • Lacerations
  • Lung damage
  • Repetitive Stress Injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Musculoskeletal injuries
  • Electrical shocks and burns
  • Crushed fingers and toes

Workplace Safety Tips for Welders

Prioritize your safety in the workplace and avoid a workplace accident by following these important workplace safety tips for welders.

  • Know your equipment. This means reading the operating manual and safety data for the equipment you will be using, and familiarizing yourself with the appropriate safety procedures.
  • Wear flame resistant clothing with the proper protective gear, and be sure to secure your clothing by tucking in pockets, buttoning up collars, etc.
  • Check the local exhaust ventilation which reduces exposure to airborne contaminants.
  • Where a proper welding helmet that fits correctly.
  • Keep your welding area tidy and remove all flammable items.

For information about what to do after an accident in the work environment, check out our free infographic here.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you’ve suffered a welding injury on the job, don’t deny yourself your right to workers’ compensation. The first thing an employee should do after experiencing a workplace accident is to inform their supervisor of the accident, and contact a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you file a workers’ compensation claim. But don’t wait! The longer you wait to report a workplace injury, the more difficult it becomes to prove that you are entitled to workers’ compensation. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you with your case by…

  • Gathering the necessary evidence to prove your personal injuries such as receipts, medical records, accident reports, time punches, security footage, eyewitness testimony, and expert opinions.
  • Ensuring that all appropriate legal forms are completed and submitted correctly and in time for legal deadlines.
  • Going over your workers’ compensation claim with you in order to prevent any unintentional self-sabotage.
  • Guiding you every step of the way throughout the workers’ compensation process.
  • Calculating the value of your workplace injuries to ensure that you receive the compensation you need.
  • Negotiating on your behalf for a settlement that covers all of your past, current, and future personal injury related expenses. This includes costs of treatment, prescriptions, lost wages, future surgeries or physical therapy, and other injury related costs.

Have you or a loved one suffered a personal injury in the workplace? You don’t have to go through it alone. Contact The Hines & Wilson Law Firm as soon as possible to schedule your no-cost initial consultation. During your consultation, you will receive free legal advice from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney near you in Columbia Missouri. Contact us today, and we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.