Underwater Welding Dangers and Injuries in Texas

If you’ve been injured in an underwater welding accident, you deserve maximum compensation. Underwater welders face relentless challenges off the Texas coast, where the risk of accidents with potentially devastating consequences is ever-present.

All too often, underwater welders are injured or killed while working, making this one of the most dangerous maritime jobs. From 2011 to 2017, 460 commercial divers were injured on the job, and 39 divers were killed. Better training and equipment maintenance could have prevented many of these tragedies.

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we fight for the rights of injured workers across Texas. We understand the toll these accidents take on you and your family, and we’re committed to standing by your side, taking on big companies on your behalf.

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In this article, we’ll explore the dangers of underwater welding and the compensation options available if you’re injured on the job.

How Are Underwater Welders Injured?

Widely regarded as one of the most hazardous jobs in the world, underwater welding combines the risks of high-pressure diving with the dangers of using electrical welding equipment. This line of work exposes employees to a wide range of potential injuries and health risks. Below, we break down the most common types of injuries suffered by underwater welders.

Electrical Shock

While water may seem like an insulator, it actually contains impurities like salts and minerals that make it a good conductor of electricity. Since welding equipment relies on electrical currents to generate heat and fuse materials, underwater welders are at constant risk of electrical shock. The combination of faulty equipment, inadequate grounding, or human error can easily lead to an electric current passing through the water, electrocuting the welder.

Proper insulation of electrical cables and equipment, routine inspections, and adherence to safety protocols are vital in reducing the risk of electrocution. However, the unpredictable nature of water environments makes it difficult to eliminate the danger entirely. Severe electric shock can lead to immediate unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, or fatal injuries. Mayo Clinic provides further insight into the dangers of electrical shock.

Decompression Sickness

Also known as “the bends,” decompression sickness occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream as a diver ascends too rapidly from deep waters. While underwater, divers breathe in a mixture of gases, often including nitrogen, which dissolves in the bloodstream under high pressure. If the ascent to the surface is too rapid, the nitrogen doesn’t have time to safely diffuse out of the blood, leading to dangerous bubble formation.

These nitrogen bubbles can obstruct blood flow, leading to joint pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, and, in severe cases, paralysis or death. Decompression sickness is one of the most dangerous conditions for underwater welders and can strike unexpectedly if ascent procedures are not followed properly. Learn more about decompression sickness from Harvard Health.

Drowning

Drowning is one of the most common fatal accidents among underwater welders, as even the most experienced divers are at risk of equipment failure or becoming trapped underwater. The majority of underwater welders rely on a steady supply of oxygen via an umbilical cord connected to a surface tank, but any interruption in the flow of oxygen could quickly turn deadly.

In addition to mechanical failures, underwater welders may also face dangerous currents, entanglements, or the loss of visibility, all of which can increase the risk of drowning. Sudden water pressure changes, equipment malfunction, or injuries sustained during the welding process can lead to loss of consciousness, further escalating the risk. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is a leading cause of death globally.

Hypothermia

Cold water exposure is a constant threat to underwater welders, especially those working in deep or remote locations where water temperatures can plummet. Prolonged exposure to frigid water can lead to hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. When the core body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), hypothermia sets in, leading to uncontrollable shivering, confusion, and ultimately, loss of consciousness.

Underwater welders often work at great depths for extended periods, where water temperatures can be close to freezing. Even with protective gear, the body’s ability to maintain heat is compromised in such conditions. Without prompt medical attention, hypothermia can lead to organ failure and, ultimately, death.

Brain Damage

Brain damage is often the result of oxygen deprivation during a near-drowning incident in underwater welding. When a welder is deprived of oxygen for even a short time, the brain can suffer irreversible damage. Brain cells begin to die after only a few minutes without oxygen, leading to memory loss, cognitive impairment, or permanent disability.

Other causes of brain damage in underwater welders include exposure to toxic gases, head trauma from underwater explosions, or accidents involving heavy equipment. Welders working in confined spaces or with limited mobility are particularly vulnerable to these dangers. 

Nitrogen Narcosis

Another serious risk for underwater welders is nitrogen narcosis, often referred to as “raptures of the deep.” This condition occurs when divers breathe nitrogen at high pressures, leading to a narcotic effect similar to being intoxicated. At depths greater than 100 feet, the pressurized nitrogen affects the central nervous system, causing confusion, impaired judgment, and delayed motor responses.

Specialist welders working at great depths must be mindful of this phenomenon, as it can cause them to make poor decisions or even lose consciousness during a dive. The use of helium-oxygen mixtures instead of nitrogen-based air can help mitigate the effects of narcosis, though the danger cannot be entirely eliminated. For an in-depth explanation of nitrogen narcosis, refer to the National Institutes of Health.

Barotrauma

Barotrauma occurs when the pressure inside a body cavity, such as the lungs or ears, does not equalize with the external water pressure during ascent or descent. This can damage the tissues, leading to painful symptoms or even ruptures in severe cases. In underwater welders, barotrauma commonly affects the ears, lungs, and sinuses but can also damage internal organs if the pressure change is extreme.

To prevent barotrauma, divers must be trained to ascend and descend slowly, allowing their bodies to adjust to changing pressures. Welders who fail to equalize properly may experience ear pain, hearing loss, or, in severe cases, a collapsed lung. Harvard Health offers a comprehensive look at barotrauma and its effects.

Dysbarism

Dysbarism refers to a range of medical conditions that arise from changes in ambient pressure, including decompression sickness and barotrauma. In underwater welding, dysbarism can manifest when divers ascend too quickly or spend extended periods at great depths without following safety protocols.

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort, such as ear and sinus pain, to life-threatening conditions like decompression sickness or lung rupture. Proper training and adherence to decompression schedules are critical to preventing dysbarism-related injuries.

How to Avoid Underwater Welding Accidents

Preventing underwater accidents requires a combination of training, proper equipment, and adherence to safety protocols. Below are some of the most effective strategies for minimizing risks:

1. Comprehensive Training: All professionals must undergo rigorous training in both diving and welding techniques. This training should include specific instruction on how to handle welding equipment safely in submerged environments, as well as how to recognize and manage common hazards such as electrical shock, decompression sickness, and equipment failure.
2. Routine Equipment Checks: Before each dive, all welding equipment and diving gear must be thoroughly inspected to ensure proper working order. Faulty gear can lead to life-threatening accidents, so welders and their supervisors must conduct regular maintenance checks and replace any worn or damaged equipment.
3. Adherence to Decompression Schedules: Proper decompression is critical to preventing injuries like the bends and barotrauma. Welders must follow strict ascent and descent protocols, using decompression stops as necessary to allow their bodies to adjust to pressure changes.
4. Emergency Procedures: Every dive team should have clearly defined emergency procedures in place. This includes knowing how to administer first aid in the event of a near-drowning, electrical shock, or decompression sickness, as well as having access to emergency medical facilities or hyperbaric chambers.
5. Use of Safe Gas Mixtures: As previously mentioned, to minimize the risk of nitrogen narcosis and other gas-related injuries, welders operating at significant depths should rely on specialized gas mixtures, like helium-oxygen blends, instead of regular air. These blends help reduce gas-related hazards while keeping welders alert and able to carry out their tasks effectively.
6. Buddy Systems and Safety Teams: Welders should always work with others. A buddy system ensures that there is always someone nearby to assist should an emergency arise. Surface support teams should also monitor the dive and be prepared to intervene immediately if something goes wrong.

What to Do After an Underwater Welding Accident

If you or a loved one is involved in an underwater welding accident, it is crucial to act quickly to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Regardless of the severity of the injury, underwater welders should always seek immediate medical evaluation after an accident. Some injuries, such as decompression sickness or brain damage, may not manifest symptoms immediately but can worsen if not treated quickly. Medical professionals experienced in treating dive-related injuries, such as hyperbaric specialists, should evaluate the patient.
2. Report the incident: It is of the utmost importance to report any underwater welding accident to your employer as soon as possible. This ensures that a record of the incident is created and may be essential if you decide to pursue workers’ compensation or personal injury claims. Failure to report the accident could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.
3. Document the accident: Gather as much information as you can about the circumstances of the accident. This includes taking photos of the dive site, welding equipment, and any injuries sustained. If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information and a statement about what they saw.
4. Consult a maritime injury lawyer: After receiving medical care, consult with an attorney who specializes in maritime and diving-related injuries. Underwater welders are often covered by special laws like the Jones Act, which provides compensation for injuries caused by employer negligence. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.

Following these steps can help you receive the medical care and financial compensation you need after an accident of such magnitude.

What Compensation Is Available to Injured Divers?

Divers may receive injury compensation under several different laws, depending on the circumstances of the accident.

The Jones Act

Divers injured while working on a vessel in navigable waters may file a personal injury lawsuit under the Jones Act, a federal law that protects maritime workers by allowing them to sue their employers.

Divers eligible to file under the Jones Act may seek compensation for the following damages:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages

Pain and suffering

This document also allows injured offshore workers to recover a greater amount for pain and suffering compared to land-based workers under standard workers’ compensation.

Workers’ Compensation

If the employer carries workers’ comp insurance, the injured diver may be able to recover the following compensation:

• Medical bills
• A portion of weekly wages
• Vocational rehabilitation (job retraining)

If a diver works onshore or is otherwise ineligible for a Jones Act claim, then the workers’ compensation may still provide the necessary money.

Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA)

The LHWCA covers workers who have been injured or killed while working on a pier, wharf, dock, or adjoining location. Divers eligible to file suit under this act can recover these types of damages:

• A portion of lost wages
• Payment for bodily injury
• Medical bill reimbursement

A worker recovers compensation under the LHWCA in various amounts, based on the extent of their disability—whether partial or total. The ability to return to work also plays a role in determining the LHWCA compensation formula.

Maritime Law

General maritime law provides “maintenance and cure” compensation for injured workers. This entails a daily stipend and coverage for medical expenses, but it does not provide the same amount of compensation available under federal laws like the Jones Act or LHWCA.

Contact an Experienced Maritime Lawyer

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, our attorneys are committed to defending the rights of injured offshore workers. We understand the significant impact underwater welding accidents and other workplace injuries can have on both you and your family. We’re dedicated to seeking justice on your behalf, offering personalized attention to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our maritime injury attorneys for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Take the first step today—let us fight for your rights and secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today.

Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.

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