Northeast Philadelphia Welding Hazards and Liability
Welders, solderers, cutters and brazers all use hazardous equipment as part of their welding-related occupations. These types of jobs have an inherent risks of traumatic injuries as well as other hazards to workers.This not only due to the type of work, but often because of the locations of where the work is performed. With more than 500,000 workers in welding industries, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the risk of fatal injuries is at a rate exceeding four deaths per thousand workers. A welding arc creates temperatures of up to 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. While there is danger of direct burns, there are additional hazards from the intense heat at and around the area being “welded”. Spatter and sparking can extend to 35 feet from the welding space.
The personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyers of Cohen & Riechelson have over four decades of experience seeking fair and full compensation for Pennsylvania clients in towns like Northeast Philadelphia, Penndel, Levittown, Feasterville, Bensalem, Millbrook, and the greater Bucks County area. We will help you through the personal injury and or workers’ compensation claims process with the goal of securing fair compensation for your family’s financial future.
Contact us online or call us at (215) 337-4915 today for a free and confidential consultation with a member of our experienced and skilled legal team.
Types of Injuries from Welding Reported in Bucks County
Personal injuries to users of welding equipment include those to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Eye injuries are the most common and account for approximately one fourth of all welding injuries. Fire as well as heat-related burns, electrocution and occasionally explosions can cause significant injuries and even wrongful death. Underwater welding poses even greater risks in addition to the potential for drowning and hypothermia, etc. Injuries can also result from chemical exposure causing burns, lung damage as well as traumatic brain injuries.
Types of Welders Injuries Bucks County PA
Burn Injuries
Working with heat and electricity, puts welders at high risk of burn injuries. Spatter and sparks that emanate from a weld can cause second and third degree burns if they manage to ignite surrounding material and clothing. Whether the welder is using an MMA welding system outdoors, or a gas metal arc welding system (GMAW) for welding work indoors, they is risk. In additions, the process of welding also includes the use of electricity that exposes welders to risks of electric shock and the burns that may result.
Welders Flash and Arc Radiation
Welding produces ultraviolet light that is emitted from arc rays. Exposure to this radiation can cause skin burns and damage the retina of the eyes called Arc Eyes. Prolonged exposure to excess light and radiation can cause welders flash – a condition with symptoms characterized by tearing eyes, sensitivity to light, dry eyes as well as burning sensations in the eyes.
Manganism – Welders Parkinson’s
Welding rods, wires, and electrodes often contain manganese, an element that is known to cause nerve damage if inhaled via fumes emanating from the equipment. Manganism symptoms include dementia, ataxia, anxiety, a mask-like face, short-term memory loss, slurred speech, sleep disorders, and impaired judgment. Manganism is only caused by exposure to manganese and causes symptoms that are similar to Parkinson’s disease. Brain and nerve damage caused by manganism is permanent.
Liability Claims for Injured Welders Northeast Philadelphia
If a company fails to provide a safe work environment including proper safety training, equipment for workers, or fails to adequately maintain equipment resulting in accidents, they may be liable for a welder’s injuries and the losses that result. These losses may include medical costs, loss wadges as well as pain and suffering.
If you feel that you or someone you know has been injured or suffered permanent disability as a result of workings as a welder, solderer, cutter or brazer it is recommended to contact a skilled attorney with extensive experience working with these types of claims.
Contact the Skilled and Experienced Bensalem Personal Injury Attorneys
At Cohen & Riechelson, our personal injury attorneys believe in the law’s ability to help give fair compensation to injured victims. Since 1972 we have dedicated our efforts to ensuring that our clients in the Bucks County area and across Pennsylvania recover just compensation and help to make their lives whole again. Our highly knowledgeable attorneys are ready to assist you with your welding related personal injury claim. Contact us online, or by phone anytime at (215) 337-4915 anytime for a free, no-obligation consultation.