Any old excuse! lol
On a serious note, I know nothing of the occupation so perhaps you can enlighten us to the dangers? I thought welding was a relatively safe job...
There are lots of dangers/health risks involved depending on what welding process is being used some are safer than others. Various gases are used, argon for instance although an inert gas can have a harmful effect if used for long periods.Various electrodes give off harmful gasses The more exotic metals, cunifer for instance, an alloy of copper/nickel and ferrous metal is known to give off harmful fumes. Air fed masks were supplied but it was not always practical to wear such cumbersome protective clothing most times and at the same time employees were under pressure to "get the job done" or be out of a job if you know what I mean.
The dust generated in the workplace did your lungs no favours, again masks were supplied but it was not practical to wear one at all time and no effort was made at the sites I worked at to keep the dust down.
Noise was also an issue with pneumatic tools, employees were under pressure to "get the job done" again and would take the silencers off the grinders to prevent them freezing up and they would make a hell of a noise.
There was also the danger of working at great heights and of debris falling from above you.
There was occasions when the weld joint was preheated to a very high temperature in confined spaces which was not very healthy, and in contrast you could be outside on nightshift working in sub zero temperatures in a stationary position freezing your whatsits off.
Eye injuries were common from dust and grinding sparks, and particularly unpleasant was "arc eye", when the surface of the eye was burnt from being exposed to the welders arc, like sunburn and the eye would shed skin, it felt like having sand in your eye and you could not see or sleep, it only took an accidental glance at the arc.
No it was not a healthy occupation, pleased to be out of it.