Welders and metalworkers use dangerous equipment and work in hazardous situations. Their jobs place them at risk for numerous types of injuries, including eye injuries. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation if you were injured at work. Our Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys discuss eye injuries for welders and metalworkers in this blog.
Common Causes of Eye Injuries for Welders and Metalworkers
Eye injuries are common among welders and metalworkers. Common causes of eye injuries at work include:
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from welding arcs (i.e., flash burns and arc eye)
- Chemical exposure from fumes
- Improper eye protection (i.e., lack of personal protection equipment or PPE)
- Dust and particulate matter from cutting and grinding
- Small pieces of slag produced during welding can get into the eyes
- Blunt trauma from a blow to the eye
- Splashes of molten metal particles into eyes
Welders work in numerous industries. Welders may suffer eye injuries working in construction, shipbuilding, oil rigging, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.
Metalworkers and welders in any industry are at risk of eye injuries. Other common welding injuries include burns, electric shock, respiratory issues, lacerations, fractures, hearing loss, and other traumatic injuries.
Welders can decrease the risk of eye injuries by wearing appropriate eye protection. Employers are required to provide workers with safety gear to perform their jobs. They must also provide adequate training on how to use safety equipment to reduce the risk of injuries.
Georgia Injured Welders and Metalworkers Have Rights
If you sustain an eye injury or other injury on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you file a claim. Welders must report eye injuries and other accidents to their employers within 30 days, or they could lose their workers’ comp benefits.
If you require emergency medical services, go to the nearest emergency room for treatment. After receiving emergency care, you must choose a doctor from the list provided by your employer. The insurance company is not responsible for paying medical bills from unapproved medical providers.
File a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Your employer should provide the claim forms, or you can request them from the state. Keep copies of all documents related to your claim and continue care with your medical providers.
What Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can a Welder or Metalworker Receive for an Eye Injury?
If your eye injury occurred on the job, you could receive workers’ comp benefits, including:
- Medical Benefits – The workers’ comp insurance company pays for reasonable and necessary treatment for your eye injury.
- Wage Loss Benefits – If you miss work because of an eye injury, you can receive temporary disability income. Wage replacement is based on two-thirds of your average weekly wages.
- Rehabilitation and Career Training – An eye injury may prevent you from returning to welding. If so, you may receive compensation to learn a new skill to earn an income.
- Permanent Disability Benefits – If your eye injuries cause permanent disabilities, you can receive disability benefits based on the severity of your injury and other factors.
If a welder or metalworker sustains an eye injury because of the negligence of a third party, they may be entitled to additional compensation. Third-party claims may result in economic and non-economic damages. An attorney can evaluate your welding accident to determine all claims you can file to receive benefits and compensation for damages.
Contact Our Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for Help
If you were injured at work in a welding accident or other incident, you may be entitled to benefits and compensation for your injuries. Call Parsons Law Group to schedule a meeting with a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney. We will help you protect your rights after a workplace injury.