Welding Accident Claims

Welding is skilled, hands-on work—and when something goes wrong, the injuries can be serious and life-changing. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve spent over 20 years supporting individuals across Tallaght and Dublin who’ve found themselves in difficult situations after workplace accidents, including welding-related injuries.

We know the pressures that come with working on site—tight deadlines, heavy gear, and the kind of risks that don’t always get talked about until it’s too late. Whether you were burned, exposed to harmful fumes, or injured by faulty equipment, we’re here to help you understand what your options are and how to take the next step.

You won’t be met with legal jargon or brushed off. When you speak to our team, you’ll get straight, practical advice in plain Irish English from people who genuinely care. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, explain things clearly, and handle the process with the care and attention you’d expect from a local firm that’s always in your corner.

If you’ve been hurt in a welding accident, talk to John O’Leary Solicitors LLP today.

Common Welding Injuries and Illnesses

Welding injuries aren’t always immediate or obvious—but they can leave a lasting impact on your health, your work, and your quality of life. Some develop in seconds, others over months or even years. Whether the harm is physical, respiratory, or neurological, the consequences are often serious. Below are the most common welding-related injuries and illnesses we’ve seen among clients across Dublin and surrounding areas.

Immediate Physical Injuries

Burns are among the most visible injuries. These can be caused by contact with hot metal, molten slag, sparks, or even radiation from the arc itself. Flash burns to the eyes—also known as “arc eye”—are particularly painful and can cause temporary or permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Electric shock is another major hazard, especially when welding equipment is damaged or used in wet conditions. Even a minor shock can result in serious muscular injury or falls.

Eye injuries are not limited to burns. Metal fragments, slag, or sparks can lodge in the eye if proper face protection is not worn. These can cause pain, blurred vision, or permanent damage.

Hearing loss is also a common long-term issue. Welding areas are often noisy, and prolonged exposure to high-decibel tools without ear protection can lead to partial or full hearing loss over time.

Occupational Illnesses from Welding Fumes

Metal fume fever is a short-term illness that feels like the flu, often caused by inhaling zinc oxide fumes. Symptoms include nausea, headache, chills, and chest tightness. While temporary, repeat exposure increases the risk of long-term lung damage.

Chronic bronchitis and occupational asthma can result from prolonged exposure to fumes without adequate ventilation. Welders often report persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing that gets worse with time.

Manganism, a condition caused by manganese poisoning, affects the nervous system. Symptoms can resemble Parkinson’s disease—shaking, slow movement, speech issues, and difficulty walking. It’s a serious, progressive illness that can develop after repeated exposure to welding fumes.

Lung cancer is also a risk, particularly for those working with stainless steel or in poorly ventilated spaces. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified welding fumes as a Group 1 carcinogen—meaning there is strong evidence they can cause cancer in humans.

Long-term eye strain and vision deterioration may also develop after years of exposure to the high-intensity light from welding arcs, especially if filters or helmets weren’t used consistently.

What Causes Welding Accidents in Irish Workplaces?

Welding is dangerous by nature—but in many cases, the accidents we see aren’t caused by the work itself. They’re caused by what’s missing: missing safety gear, missing training, missing care. When basic protections are overlooked, even the most experienced welder can get hurt.

One of the most common causes is inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE). We’ve seen cases where welders weren’t given proper gloves, aprons, face shields, or respiratory masks—or were expected to work without replacing damaged gear. When employers cut corners on safety, it’s workers who suffer the consequences.

Poor ventilation is another serious issue. Welding in tight or enclosed spaces without extractor fans or breathing apparatus can expose workers to dangerous fumes. The effects might not be immediate, but long-term exposure can lead to life-changing illness.

Lack of training is a recurring factor—especially among young or agency workers. If you weren’t shown how to handle certain materials, adjust your settings, or use a specific piece of equipment, then you weren’t set up to do the job safely. That’s not on you—it’s on the employer.

We also come across cases involving faulty or poorly maintained equipment. Worn cables, broken clamps, or leaking gas lines can all pose major hazards. When gear isn’t regularly checked or replaced, accidents become more likely.

Some injuries happen due to electrical hazards, particularly when welding is done outdoors or in damp conditions without proper insulation or precautions. A shock might seem minor at the time—but it can lead to muscle damage, falls, or even cardiac arrest.

Then there’s inappropriate clothing. Welders should be supplied with leather boots and long, fire-resistant gear. If you’re in synthetic fibres, or if your boots leave a gap around the ankle, molten metal can find its way in—and cause serious burns.

Finally, we often hear about pressure to “get on with it”—to work fast, ignore pain, or skip checks. That kind of culture puts welders in harm’s way. When the focus is on deadlines over safety, accidents become inevitable.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth speaking with a solicitor. You may have grounds to make a claim—and we’re here to guide you through it.

Who May Be Liable in a Welding Accident Claim?

Welding injuries don’t just happen by chance. In many of the cases we deal with, someone failed to take the right steps to keep you safe—and under Irish law, that means they may be held responsible. Depending on how and where the accident happened, one or more parties could be liable.

Employer Responsibility

In most cases, it’s the employer who holds the legal duty to protect their workers. This includes:

Providing and maintaining proper PPE (gloves, aprons, helmets, boots, ear and eye protection)
Ensuring the workplace has safe ventilation, lighting, and space
Supplying safe, well-maintained equipment
Giving adequate training and supervision
Making sure workers are not exposed to fumes, electrical risks, or unsafe procedures
Carrying out and updating risk assessments for each task

When these duties are ignored or half-done, and someone gets hurt, that’s employer negligence. Even if the accident happened on a building site or during agency work, the party in control of the work environment can still be held responsible.

Shared Liability or Site Responsibility

On large construction or industrial sites, multiple contractors may be involved. If your employer didn’t directly control the site, but a site manager or principal contractor failed to maintain safety standards, they may also be liable.

For example:

You were asked to weld in a confined area without ventilation, and site management never raised it
A subcontractor removed safety barriers that exposed you to burn risks
No one checked or repaired shared equipment before assigning it to you

Equipment Manufacturers or Suppliers

Sometimes, it’s not the people around you—it’s the equipment itself. If a defective helmet, torch, or welding unit caused or worsened your injury, you may have a claim against the manufacturer or supplier under product liability laws.

These claims can arise from:

Faulty visors or face shields
Malfunctioning regulators or gas valves
Electrical tools with exposed wiring
PPE that failed to meet safety standards

Even if you’re not sure who was at fault, we’ll help you investigate the circumstances, identify any safety breaches, and figure out where responsibility lies. You don’t have to untangle it alone.

How Welding Injuries Can Affect Your Life and Work

Welding injuries often go far beyond the physical. They can interrupt your work, your home life, and your sense of independence—especially if the injury or illness is long-term. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve spoken with welders across Dublin who’ve faced these challenges firsthand.

Impact on Physical and Mental Health

Severe burns, nerve damage, and exposure-related illness can leave you dealing with:

Long-term pain or reduced mobility
Fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness
Difficulty using your hands or arms
Eye strain or vision loss
Ongoing medical appointments or physiotherapy

These injuries can affect your confidence and mental wellbeing too. Many people report stress, anxiety, or low mood after their injury—especially if they’re unable to return to the work they’ve done for years.

Effect on Employment and Future Work

Welding is hands-on work that demands precision, stamina, and concentration. When an injury affects your ability to bend, lift, see clearly, or concentrate, going back to the same job may no longer be an option.

We’ve helped clients who:

Had to leave their trade altogether
Faced long periods out of work with no income
Lost out on job opportunities because of their injuries
Needed to retrain for a new line of work entirely

Even those who do return often face slower work, reduced hours, or the fear of re-injury.

Strain on Family and Daily Life

It’s not just the person injured who feels the effects. A serious welding injury can impact:

Your ability to drive, cook, or care for children
Relationships with partners or family, especially under financial stress
Social life or hobbies you once enjoyed
Household income—particularly where you’re the main earner

We understand the weight of that pressure. That’s why we approach every case with care and realism—so you get support that reflects the full impact of what you’ve been through.

If this sounds familiar, we’re ready to talk—on your terms, in your time

Time Limits for Welding Accident Claims in Ireland

If you’re considering making a welding accident claim, it’s important to know there are strict time limits. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to start your claim. This is known as the statute of limitations.

If your injury or illness developed over time—such as breathing issues or vision problems—the two-year period usually begins from the date you were first diagnosed or became aware of the issue.

For fatal accidents, the two-year clock typically starts from the date of death, or the date of the post-mortem or inquest.

Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to claim. That’s why it’s always best to get advice as early as possible—even if you’re still unsure about taking things further.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ll explain everything clearly and help you understand exactly where you stand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I didn’t realise my welding work was making me sick until months later?

That’s common with exposure-related illnesses. Conditions like chronic bronchitis or manganism can take time to show. The two-year time limit usually starts from the date you were first diagnosed or linked the symptoms to your work—not the date of exposure.

Can I make a claim if I was a subcontractor on site, not a direct employee?

Yes. You may still be entitled to claim if a site manager, main contractor, or another employer failed to keep the workplace safe. We’ll help identify who had control over the environment and equipment.

My employer gave me PPE, but it was old or damaged—does that count as negligence?

Yes. Employers must ensure that PPE is not only provided but is in good condition and fit for purpose. Faulty visors, cracked filters, or worn gloves that put you at risk can form the basis of a claim.

What if I was partially at fault—can I still bring a claim?

Possibly. Many claims involve shared responsibility. For example, if you weren’t wearing your gear correctly but weren’t trained properly or were pushed to work unsafely, you may still be entitled to partial compensation.

Can I claim if I’ve already gone back to work?

Yes. Returning to work doesn’t prevent you from bringing a claim. The key is whether the injury or illness caused you pain, financial loss, or lasting health issues—even if you’ve since resumed duties.

Is there support for welding injuries affecting eyesight?

Absolutely. Eye injuries from welding are taken seriously, especially if they cause blurred vision, light sensitivity, or permanent damage. A claim can cover treatment costs, glasses, and long-term care if needed.

Do welding fume claims require expert medical reports?

Yes. For illnesses like manganism or lung damage, a medical expert’s opinion will be central. We’ll arrange independent assessments to support your case where necessary.

What if I was exposed to welding fumes years ago in a different job?

You may still have a claim, especially if the symptoms only recently became clear. We’ll help track past employers and assess whether your condition links back to earlier welding work.

Speak to a Solicitor Who Understands the Work You Do

If you’ve been injured while welding—whether suddenly or over time—you don’t need to face the aftermath alone. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we understand the toll these injuries can take on your work, health, and family life. We’ve spent over 20 years supporting tradespeople in Tallaght and across Dublin through difficult times with practical, straight-talking advice. Contact us to discuss your claim.