Welding and Chemical Burn Claims*

The following groups are most vulnerable to serious workplace burns:

• Welders and metalworkers, especially those using arc, MIG or TIG welding tools
• Maintenance staff, who may work on energised systems or hot components
• Industrial cleaners, exposed to strong degreasers and disinfectants
• Agricultural workers, handling pesticides, fertilisers or fuel products
• Factory and warehouse operatives, using machinery or packaging chemicals
• Laboratory technicians, working with volatile liquids and heat-based experiments
• Catering and food processing staff, where steam, grease and cleaning agents are used daily

In many of these roles, the danger becomes “normal”. Workers are expected to carry on without complaint, even when the gear is uncomfortable or worn out. Some are not told what the risks are, or how to respond if exposed.

When injuries do happen, it’s often revealed that:

• Safety data sheets weren’t provided
• Training was rushed or non-existent
• PPE was unavailable, unsuitable or optional
• Emergency wash stations or first aid kits were out of service
• Risk assessments hadn’t been carried out or updated

Burn injuries are painful, disruptive and often preventable. If your injury happened because your workplace failed to take these risks seriously, you may have a right to seek compensation. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we’ll help you find out where responsibility lies and what support you’re entitled to.

• Carrying out risk assessments for all processes involving heat, chemical exposure, and welding
• Maintaining a safety statement that outlines potential burn hazards and control measures
• Providing appropriate PPE, including gloves, aprons, visors, flame-retardant clothing, goggles and chemical-resistant footwear
• Ensuring machinery and tools are properly maintained and inspected regularly
• Providing adequate training and supervision, particularly for new staff or those working near welding stations or chemicals
• Safe storage and handling of hazardous substances, with spill procedures and labelling in line with EU CLP regulations
• Installing emergency washing stations, first aid kits, ventilation systems and fire extinguishers
• Displaying proper signage to warn of hot surfaces, reactive materials or UV exposure

In many workplaces, these responsibilities are overlooked not due to malice, but because of time pressure, cost-cutting or complacency. Unfortunately, it’s the worker who pays the price when something goes wrong.

• Issuing PPE that is the wrong size, damaged or missing entirely
• Allowing staff to work without knowing the properties of the chemicals they are handling
• Failing to isolate power during maintenance work or failing to shut down hot systems before repair
• Using subcontractors or agency workers without proper induction
• Letting machines or storage systems degrade without routine checks
• Ignoring past near-misses or employee concerns about equipment or procedures

In some cases, fault may not lie with the direct employer alone. Responsibility may also rest with:

• Maintenance firms that performed substandard servicing on tools or extraction systems
• Chemical suppliers who failed to provide correct safety data sheets
• Site managers who allowed dangerous practices to continue unchecked on multi-contractor sites

When assessing liability, Irish courts and the Injuries Resolution Assessment Board will look at whether the employer or any third party acted in a way that was careless, unsafe or contrary to recognised safety standards.

At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we work with injured workers to examine what went wrong not just at the moment of injury, but in the weeks and months leading up to it. We gather records, safety policies, inspection logs and witness statements to build a clear picture of responsibility. If an employer failed to uphold their duties, we make sure that failure is addressed properly and fairly.

To successfully claim compensation for a welding or chemical burn injury, you need to establish three key points:

1. That you were injured

This may seem obvious, but proving the extent of your injuries whether they are physical or psychological is a central part of the claim. The injury could be a visible burn, scarring, or an emotional injury like anxiety or trauma resulting from the burn.

2. That the injury occurred during work

This proves that the injury was related to your work activities, not something that occurred outside of your job. You need to show that the injury took place while you were carrying out work-related tasks or duties. In some cases, it may also include showing that your injury was a result of unsafe working conditions that existed for a period leading up to the injury.

3. That your injury was caused by negligence or failure to follow safety procedures

This is the most important part of the claim. You must demonstrate that your employer or another responsible party did not provide a safe working environment. This could be because they failed to maintain equipment, didn’t train you properly, or didn’t provide appropriate protective gear. It could also be due to a lack of proper risk assessments, failure to implement safety systems, or failure to take reasonable steps to prevent the injury.

Gathering the right evidence is crucial to proving your case. Here are the key types of evidence that can help establish each of the three points mentioned above:

Medical Evidence

• Injury diagnosis and medical reports: The first step after a burn injury is to get proper medical treatment. You’ll need to see a doctor who will provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. The medical records will be used to prove the extent of your injuries whether you need skin grafts, treatment for infections, or long-term care.
• Photographs of injuries: Take clear photos of the burn as soon as possible. These will show the severity of the injury and may also be used to demonstrate how much the burn has affected you over time, especially if scarring occurs.
• Psychological or emotional impact: If your injury has caused psychological distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress, a report from a mental health professional can support your claim for emotional or psychological damages.

Workplace Records and Documentation

• Accident reports: Your employer is required to record workplace accidents. If you report the burn injury immediately, this report will serve as important evidence. You should ensure the incident is logged in the accident book or the health and safety register if your workplace uses one.
• Risk assessments and safety procedures: Employers must carry out regular risk assessments for activities that pose a potential risk, like welding or handling chemicals. If they did not carry out such assessments or failed to provide adequate training, you can prove the employer’s negligence with the risk assessments, safety records, and any failure to act on previous safety warnings.
• Safety training records: Employers are obligated to train employees on how to safely operate equipment and handle hazardous chemicals. If your employer failed to provide adequate training on welding techniques or how to handle dangerous chemicals, the training records will help show that your injury occurred due to a lack of proper instruction.

Witness Testimonies and Statements

• Co-worker statements: Witnesses to the incident, such as colleagues or supervisors, can provide important statements regarding the circumstances leading up to your injury. They can confirm unsafe practices or lack of proper supervision.
• Expert testimony: In some cases, expert opinions from industry professionals or safety consultants can help demonstrate whether the equipment used was faulty, whether the working environment was safe, or if proper procedures were followed. Experts can help clarify how your injury could have been prevented.

Equipment and Maintenance Records

• Maintenance logs for equipment: If the injury was caused by faulty or poorly maintained welding equipment or machinery, maintenance records can prove that the employer did not fulfil their obligation to keep equipment in safe working order.
• Supplier documentation: In cases where chemicals or materials caused the injury, supplier documentation or safety data sheets will show whether the correct safety measures were in place for handling those materials.

It’s important to gather as much evidence as you can, but don’t worry if you don’t have everything upfront. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we’ll help you gather the necessary documentation, secure witness statements, and find the experts who can build a strong case on your behalf. Even if some evidence is missing, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t proceed with your claim.

• Thermal burns result from direct contact with hot surfaces, sparks, flames or molten metal. These are most common in welding, metalwork, kitchen environments and heavy industry.
• Chemical burns occur when skin or eyes come into contact with acids, alkalis, solvents or detergents. These are especially dangerous because damage can continue even after contact ends, particularly if the chemical is not neutralised quickly.
• Electrical burns can result from high-voltage arcs or faulty welding equipment. These burns may not appear severe on the surface but can cause deep internal damage.
• Steam and scalding burns are common in food processing, manufacturing, and industrial cleaning roles where pressurised systems or boiling liquids are used.

Burns are classified by depth and severity:

• First-degree burns affect the outer layer of skin and may cause redness and discomfort but usually heal without long-term damage.
• Second-degree burns penetrate deeper, often causing blisters, swelling and raw tissue exposure. These can result in permanent scarring.
• Third-degree burns destroy skin layers and may damage nerves, tendons or muscle tissue. These often require surgery or grafts and may lead to long-term disability.

The seriousness of a burn depends not only on depth but also on surface area, location (face, hands, joints are higher risk) and promptness of treatment.

Beyond the initial trauma, workplace burn injuries can lead to:

• Chronic pain and nerve damage
• Restricted mobility or reduced range of motion
• Permanent disfigurement or scarring, often requiring reconstructive surgery
• Vision loss in cases involving facial burns or chemical eye exposure
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress
• Reduced earning capacity if you are unable to return to your previous role

Many burn survivors struggle with their confidence, independence and ability to interact socially after a serious injury, particularly where scarring is visible or the pain is ongoing.

At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we approach every burn injury claim with care and thoroughness. We ensure that the full impact of your injury both physical and emotional is properly understood, documented and reflected in the outcome of your claim.

These relate to the non-financial losses you’ve suffered. They are designed to compensate you for the physical and emotional impact of the injury, such as:

• Pain and suffering, both at the time of the injury and throughout recovery
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement, particularly in visible areas like the face, neck or hands
• Loss of enjoyment of life, where the injury has restricted hobbies, activities or social engagement
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety, low self-esteem, or difficulty returning to work

The amount awarded is guided by the Personal Injuries Guidelines, which assign values based on the severity and permanence of the injury.

These cover actual financial losses and future costs that arise because of your injury. Depending on your situation, you may be able to claim for:

• Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgery, physiotherapy and follow-up care
• Prescriptions, dressings and wound care products
• Skin grafts or prosthetic devices, where required
• Psychological therapy or counselling
• Loss of earnings, both past and future, if your injury prevented you from working or reduced your ability to earn
• Travel costs, such as fuel or public transport for medical appointments
• Home adaptations, like installing grip bars, ramps or modifying bathrooms if the injury limits mobility
• Assistive equipment, such as protective clothing, specialist seating or mobility aids

Every case is different. Some people make a full recovery within weeks, while others may need support for years. That’s why it’s vital that your claim includes a thorough account of the injury’s impact not just now, but also in the future.

At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we take care to ensure nothing is overlooked. We work closely with medical professionals and financial experts so your claim accurately reflects your needs, both immediate and long-term. If you’ve been injured at work, your compensation should help you move forward not just cover the past.