Welding Accidents

Welding is a highly specialized field that is vital to the construction industry in New York City. Unfortunately, the activity can be inherently dangerous. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), one out of every two hundred and fifty construction workers is killed on the job due to a welding accident. While OSHA has formed various regulations to reduce the number of workers severely injured and killed in welding accidents, many construction companies and owners fail to implement and train them.

Contact our team at (212) 222-1111 for your free case evaluation.

What Safety Measures Prevent Welding Accidents in New York City?

The New York State Department of Labor has implemented the following Industrial Codes to prevent welding accidents from occurring: §23-1.25(a), §23-1.25(b), and §23-1.2(c). These codes dictate the safety standards that must be maintained while using welding equipment like hoses, torches, and compressed gas cylinders. Safe work practices and design specifications for use of equipment required for welding in New York City include:

• Ventilation of the work area
• Respiratory protection in confined areas
• Handling, storage, and conveyance of acetylene and oxygen
• Safety and protective equipment and procedures
• Protective equipment and clothing
• Only certified, trained, and licensed welders should be allowed to handle welding materials

New York’s Industrial Codes also include Code §23-1.25(d), which states the type of safety devices welders must be provided before engaging in this task:

“All persons engaged in welding or flame-cutting operations shall be provided where necessary with proper scaffolds installed and used in compliance with this Part (rule). Such persons shall be provided with approved eye protection suitable for the work involved and appropriate protective apparel. When arc welding is performed near other persons, such other persons shall be protected from the arc rays by opaque screens or by approved eye protection.”

Different Types of Welding

Welding is dangerous because it involves volatile gases and fuel at extremely high temperatures. Metal beams and rods are joined together via welding to create the frame and interior of a new building under construction. Extreme heat must be generated to bond one piece of metal to another.

In New York City, there are four different types of welding:

• Gas Welding
• Arc Welding
• Oxyacetylene welding
• Oxyfuel cutting

All types of welding involve very hot gases, electricity, and sparks to join metal together. Molten materials are dangerous and may lead to serious injury if safety precautions are not taken and these materials are not handled properly.

What Are Common Types of Welding Accidents That Occur in New York City?

Although OSHA and the New York State Department of Labor have strict guidelines for the welding industry, accidents happen far too often.

Common welding accidents that occur in New York City include:

• Metal shards fly off the objects being welded and can cause injuries if protective clothing and eyewear is not being worn
• Danger of fire
• Electrical injury or shock
• Explosions
• Harmful chemicals and gases released during welding
• Burns Accidents resulting from extreme heat
• Fire due to sparks, gasoline, or other flammable chemicals
• Not having sufficient workspace between construction workers
• Welders working overtime, fatigued, and with not enough breaks to work safely

What Injuries Might Result from a Welding Accident?

While welding can be a rewarding profession, the injuries that can result from an accident are often devastating. Common welding injuries victims in New York sustain include:

• Burns, scars, and disfigurement
• Electrical shock
• Fumes poisoning a worker
• Eye Injuries
• Death

If you or a loved one were injured in a welding accident that was the result of safety regulations not being followed or by the negligence of another party, you might be able to bring a claim and recover damages for your losses. The NYC construction site accident lawyers at Frekhtman & Associates (F&A) have extensive knowledge in this welding area of law and can provide dependable legal advice.

Contact Skilled Welding Accident Lawyers in New York City

While welding is already a heavily regulated construction industry, it continues to present dangers with welding accidents injuring more than half a million workers each year. Failing to follow specific OSHA regulations and New York State Labor laws for welding can lead to serious accidents and injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a welding accident, contact the construction site accident lawyers specializing in welding accidents at the F&A injury law firm. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (866) ATTY-LAW or (866) 855-5279 or complete our contact form.

Contact our team today at(212) 222-1111 to discuss your case with our skilled and experienced welding accident attorneys in New York City.