Arizona Workers’ Compensation for Injured Welders

Main responsibilities and job duties of welders

Welding is a fabrication job that involves fusing or melting materials together. These materials are usually metals, though some welders work with thermoplastics, too.

Welders use many different tools and techniques on the job. Some even choose to specialize in a particular methodology, so you’ll have those who are experts in arc welding, laser welding and more.

Regardless of the method, all welding work essentially boils down to heating materials and joining them together.

Common occupational injuries and illnesses for welders

Welding accidents can happen even under the best of circumstances, and the risks get worse when you add in deadline pressures, cut corners, a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), or a lack of training for employees.

Here are just a few ways that welders can get hurt on the job:

• Respiratory issues. Welders are exposed to a number of harmful fumes during their work, which can lead to lung disease, irritant-induced asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There’s even a condition known as “welder’s lung,” which results from the inhalation of metal fumes and gasses produced during welding processes, particularly when welding certain metals like zinc, aluminum, copper, and steel. The condition causes inflammation in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fever and generalized fatigue.
• Flash burns. A flash burn is caused by ultraviolet light exposure from welding tools or processes. It affects the eyes, essentially giving the corneas a sunburn. The severity can range from mild to debilitating.
• Hearing loss. Welding equipment can be noisy, especially in an environment where other fabrication processes are also taking place. Short- or long-term hearing loss is a common consequence.
• Cancer. Lung cancer is the most frequent cancer among welders. Eye cancers and skin cancers can also occur.
• Death from asphyxiation. While rare, this can occur if a worker is welding in an unventilated or confined space.

Are injured welders entitled to workers’ comp in Arizona?

Most employers in Arizona with even 1 employee are required by law to offer workers’ compensation.

There are exceptions, however, such as if they employ independent contractors or casual employees or are considered sole proprietors of their businesses.

Types of compensation available through Arizona workers’ comp

Workers’ compensation benefits only cover “economic damages,” or damages that can be calculated with numbers and formulas. They don’t cover “non-economic damages,” such as pain and suffering.

As for the economic damages that you can receive from workers’ comp in Arizona, here are the 3 main categories:

• Medical benefits. These include hospital bills, prescriptions, doctor bills, support devices, occupational and physical therapy, and mileage reimbursement for medical appointments.
• Lost wage benefits. These are typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage for a period of time that depends on your disability (temporary partial disability, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability, permanent total disability).
• Death benefits. These cover funeral expenses and lost income if a loved one dies on the job.

How can welding accidents be prevented?

Safety is paramount for industrial workers of all types, including welders. Here are just a few key elements to avoid injury and illness on the job:

By prioritizing safety, providing adequate training, and implementing preventive measures, welding accidents can be significantly reduced, creating a safer working environment for welders and others in the vicinity.