People who work welding jobs in Georgia may face particular risks in the workplace. This is especially true for workers who are not properly trained but are still directed by their employers to perform welding tasks. Safety experts warn that training is particularly important for welding and similar work, as poorly trained employees may be at particular risk of burns and other severe injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued federal workplace safety standards for jobs involving welding, cutting, and brazing. By reference, OSHA incorporated the National Fire Protection Association’s rules for preventing fires during work that produces flames, heat, or sparks.
In order to protect welders from workplace injuries, these jobs should be performed in designated, specified areas with fire safety protection. Materials in the area should be fire-resistant and free of flammable contents. If this kind of designated area is impossible to provide, there are detailed steps that should be taken in order to provide a greater level of protection. Flammable substances should be moved at least 35 feet away from any welding activities or at the very least covered by specialized welding blankets and pads.
Welders face temperatures of thousands of degrees, putting them at a high risk of burns and other on-the-job injuries. In 2018, there were 370 workplace injuries that led to time away from the job associated with welding. Over 33% of those were linked to thermal burns or heat burns. Workers who do not have proper personal protective equipment are at particularly high risk.
Welding jobs can be dangerous, but the danger can be intensified when employers fail to live up to their workplace safety responsibilities. Workers injured during a welding job may consult with a workers’ compensation attorney about how to protect their rights and seek the benefits they need.
