Most people know that welding is dangerous. The career involves using high-power tools to control flames. Welders often work in construction or in industrial environments. Some welders have job hazards related to a commercial facility. Factories create a variety of job safety risks.
Other welders work outdoors mostly. They deal with risks related to environmental exposure and even nearby motor vehicles. They may have to perform their jobs at significant elevations. People often focus on those immediate physical risks. They fail to consider a very serious safety concern.
One of the most dangerous hearts of welding is easy to overlook. Welders often experience toxic exposure on the job. If employers aren’t proactive about safety, workers can end up sickened by welding work.
Welding rods are dangerous
Welding involves controlling specialized equipment. That equipment produces dangerous chemicals byproducts. Welding rods may contain numerous dangerous substances. Without the right training and equipment, workers can become sick due to daily exposure to welding rods.
They may contain manganese. Workers exposed to welding rods may develop manganese poisoning. Doctors may call the condition manganism. The symptoms of manganese poisoning can be quite severe. Those symptoms include tremors, memory loss and issues with speech. Other workers may notice a change in how they think. Issues with balance are also common.
If welding rods contain silica, that could sicken workers too. They could develop silicosis. They could experience lung and kidney issues. Their risk of cancer could increase too. Chromium could also make workers sick. They can experience eye or nose irritation. They may have a sore throat. Chromium exposure can lead to cancer.
Heavy metals are dangerous ingredients in some welding rods. Others may expose workers to dangerous gases. Helium, argon and carbon dioxide can all lead to suffocation if used inside. Welders may also be at risk of carbon dioxide poisoning.
Workers with major illnesses caused by their employment may have the right to pursue compensation. In some cases, toxic exposure lawsuits are necessary. Workers with welding rod poisoning can obtain compensation for medical care and lost wages. Pursuing a toxic welding rod exposure lawsuit can help workers and their families. Welders shouldn’t have to accept the costs of illnesses caused by work conditions.
