Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government.

MNM Serious Accident Alert Surface - Welding

PDF Version

Surface – Limestone – A miner performing maintenance on a screening plant received a shock from a portable welder and suffered serious injuries.  The accident occurred on July 20, 2017.

Best Practices
  • Assure that the return welding lead is properly grounded to the structure that you are welding on.
  • Insulate yourself from the workpiece and insulate yourself by wearing rubber soled shoes or stand on a dry insulated mat. 
  • Do not touch the ground with any other part of your body.
  • Use fully insulated electrode holders.
  • Wet working conditions should be avoided. Even a person’s perspiration can lower the body’s resistance to electrical shock.
  • Water or perspiration may cause electrically hazardous conditions.  Electrical shock may be prevented by the use of nonconductive clothing and shoes. Nonconductive gloves can be worn under welding gloves.
  • Observe safe procedures at all times when working with equipment with voltages necessary for arc welding.  Even mild shocks can cause involuntary muscular contractions.