The Dangers of Underwater Welding

Underwater welding is a specialized type of welding that requires extensive training and unique skills. Underwater welders typically work on offshore oil rigs and offshore pipelines when they are in need of repair. While the work can be very profitable, it can be argued that it’s the most dangerous job in the country.

In fact, underwater welders have the highest fatality rate of any occupation—15%! For comparison, fatality rates for other extremely risky occupations like loggers and fishers are less than 0.2%. 

That means that compared to some of the riskiest jobs in America, underwater welding carries a death rate that is more than 75 times higher. If you’ve been involved in an underwater welding accident, you need a passionate personal injury lawyer on your side to help you recover the compensation you need to heal after your injury. You need Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys.

Does Underwater Welding Shorten Your Life?

Are you curious about the life expectancy of underwater welders? 

Due to the high risks associated with this type of job, the life expectancy of underwater welders is relatively short. Past studies have discovered that the average age of an underwater welder is 35 to 40 years old.

Here’s the thing—safety is crucial in order to help prevent an underwater welding accident. Always make sure that you have the right protective gear as a welder before you go to work. You should also double-check that your tools and equipment are in good condition.

In addition to that, you should always make sure you undergo proper training before you agree to any underwater welding jobs. Specialized training in welding and diving will help ensure your safety while welding underwater.

Most Common Underwater Welding Dangers

Underwater welders are at huge risk each and every time they are on a job. Unfortunately, these risks can turn into catastrophic injuries that cause long-term health problems or even wrongful death. Some of the most common dangers that underwater welders face include:

• Explosions from gas pockets created from the formation of oxygen and hydrogen pose a big risk to underwater welders because they can be lethal.
• Electric Shock is the biggest threat to underwater welders which is why special waterproof equipment must be tested and then used for all underwater welding jobs.
• Decompression Sickness, also called a diver’s disease, can happen when divers consume harmful gases while moving between pressure zones. In extreme cases, decompression sickness can be fatal.
• Marine Wildlife – although this is not as common, underwater welders should always be conscious of wildlife such as sharks and other potentially deadly creatures.
• Ear, Nose, and Lung Damage – underwater welding involves a lot of time spent in high-pressure waters. As a result, long-term ear, nose, and lung damage can happen.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit? Here’s What You Need to Know

As mentioned above, underwater welding can unfortunately lead to a wrongful death. Here’s what you should do if you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence or carelessness.

First: It’s vital to note that in Louisiana, wrongful death claims can only be filed by a limited number of people. The following victims’ survivors are entitled to file:

• The surviving spouse and/or children of the deceased or
• If both spouse and children are dead, the surviving parents of the deceased or
• If the spouse, children, and parents are dead, the surviving siblings of the deceased or
• If the spouse, children, parents, and siblings are deceased, the surviving grandparents of the deceased

FYI: All of the above relations also include those relations by adoption.

Next: Be sure to submit the claim within one year of the wrongful death accident since Louisiana has a one-year statute of limitations on bringing a wrongful death claim to court.

Last: Call a Wrongful Death Lawyer from Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys who can assist your claim with confidence and give you legal guidance on what your next steps should be.

The Future of Underwater Welding is Bright

With enough research and development, underwater welding can be improved. Plus, automation of processes will help to enhance underwater welding overall. 

Furthermore, the development of safer welding techniques will make the job more efficient and safe. It will also reduce deaths and injuries, and a low death rate will improve the life expectancy of underwater welders.

Underwater Welding Accident? It’s Time to Get Gordon!

The field of underwater welding is expanding and pays well. Despite the potential for danger in this career, safety training and other measures can make it worthwhile. However, even with the best training and safety measures, accidents can still happen. If you’re an underwater welder that’s been injured while at sea, call the experienced maritime injury lawyers with Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys at 225.888.888 for a free consultation. We’re dedicated to making sure our clients are rightfully compensated for the damages they’ve suffered.