During 2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that approximately 357,400 welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers were employed. Welders and those who perform welding-related activities are susceptible to many occupational hazards, particularly to their ocular and respiratory health. When exposed to these hazards, welders may sustain injuries that can be temporary or permanent in nature, as well as develop illnesses with acute or chronic effects.
Welders often do not wear welding helmets and shields with their safety goggles due to discomfort, which causes ergonomic problems. Additionally, lenses often fog up during the welding process due to heat and perspiration, decreasing their field of vision. So welders often remove protective masks for simple welding tasks. Radiation may potentially be reflected into conventional welding helmets and penetrate into the helmets from the tops and the sides, causing unintentional exposure even when preventive measures are taken.