Northrop Shipworker Loses Bid for Benefits for Alleged Exposure to Welding Fumes

NEW ORLEANS - A federal circuit panel has rejected an appeal by a shipyard electrician who argued unsuccessfully that his one-day exposure to workplace welding fumes caused his pulmonary illness and entitled him to workers' compensation benefits. J_oseph v. Director, Office of Worker's Compensation Programs, et al._, No. 10-60454 (5th Cir.).

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued its per curiam opinion on June 9, affirming the decision by the Benefits Review Board to deny benefits available under the Longshore and Harbor Workers compensation Act to claimant Warren Joseph.

Joseph contends that he was exposed to nearby welding fumes on …