Types of Injuries Common in Metalworking

Every year, millions of metalworkers are injured in the United States while on the job. With so much heavy machinery and powerful equipment everywhere, metalworking is one of the most likely professions where workers experience injuries. While there are an untold number of ways for a worker to sustain an injury, understanding the various types of injuries common in metalworking can help prevent them from occurring. Here is a closer look at some of the possible ways for trauma can occur.

Handling Injuries

There’s a reason it’s advisable for anybody working with metal to wear gloves so they can protect their hands. You can injure your hands in dozens of ways while working with metal. Always protect yourself from scrapes, splinters, and burns, and further hand injuries by wearing thick, protective gloves. Some metals leave an oily residue on hands, making it possible for workers drop if not careful.

Skin Burns or Frostbite

When dealing with metal, it’s important to remember that many types of metal are excellent conductors of thermal energy. This conductivity can make metal incredibly hot or cold based on the atmosphere around it. If you grab such metal without proper protective gear on your hands, it can lead to severe burns and frostbite.

Cuts and Slices

Metal in any form is likely to be sharp, which means you can easily get cut and sliced. Unprotected areas of your body become at risk when you’re working with sharp metal (which is why you should always wear protective gear). These injuries are especially prevalent when working with sheet metal because it can easily lacerate your body courtesy of its razor-sharp edges. In most situations, you can use many different lathe tools to help remove sharp edges on a piece of metal.

Inhalation and Eye Injuries

Traumas impacting your ability to see and breathe are also amongst the types of injuries common in metalworking. Any time you are working with metal, you should wear equipment to protect your eyes, nose, and mouth. Inhaling metal particles can cause breathing problems. Splinters of metal also have the ability to blind workers if their eyes aren’t fully protected. A pair of safety goggles will help protect your vision and track your progress on your workpiece.