Abstract: A laser welding system includes a laser power supply having a controller that controls activation of laser light by the power supply. A sense lead is attachable to a workpiece. A handheld laser welding torch is connected to the power supply to receive the laser light. The torch includes a nozzle having an electrically insulating outer surface, and a pressure sensor that measures a pressure level applied to the nozzle and generates a pressure level signal. A proximity sensor is operatively connected to the sense lead and the torch and is configured to determine whether the torch is adjacent to the workpiece and generate a proximity signal. The controller receives the pressure level signal and the proximity signal. The controller activates the laser light when the pressure level applied to the nozzle meets or exceeds a threshold and the proximity signal indicates that the torch is adjacent to the workpiece.