Eye-related injuries in the workplace aren’t a rare occurrence. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), around 2,000 U.S. workers every day sustain job-related eye injuries that require medical attention. Safety experts, however, believe that 90 percent of these injuries can be lessened in severity or entirely prevented with proper eye protection. Here are some tips to consider.
Know eye hazards at work
Every company should identify eye hazards and properly communicate them to workers. Look for safety measures in place and observe them at all times while at work. Complete an eye hazard assessment, too.
Identify the red flags
Increasing the risk of eye injury in the workplace includes the lack of eye protection, workers not wearing eye protection even if it’s available, insufficient knowledge of properly operating tools and equipment, and work involving the use of metal. Seek to address and discuss these concerns with management.
Select the right type of eye protection
Safety glasses, while they resemble regular dress eyewear, have lenses and frames that are much stronger than regular eyeglasses. They protect against dust, chips, or flying particles when one is working. Goggles shield against dust, impact, and chemical splash, while face shields and helmets protect those exposed to chemicals, heat, or blood-borne pathogens.
Apply proper first aid or seek medical attention
Seek medical help as soon as possible after an injury, especially if there’s eye pain, blurred vision, or vision loss. Apply proper first aid for chemicals or particles in the eye, as well as for bows or cuts and punctures.
Know eye hazards at workEvery company should identify eye hazards and properly communicate them to workers. Look for safety measures in place and observe them at all times while at work. Complete an eye hazard assessment, too.
Identify the red flags
Increasing the risk of eye injury in the workplace includes the lack of eye protection, workers not wearing eye protection even if it’s available, insufficient knowledge of properly operating tools and equipment, and work involving the use of metal. Seek to address and discuss these concerns with management.Select the right type of eye protection
Safety glasses, while they resemble regular dress eyewear, have lenses and frames that are much stronger than regular eyeglasses. They protect against dust, chips, or flying particles when one is working. Goggles shield against dust, impact, and chemical splash, while face shields and helmets protect those exposed to chemicals, heat, or blood-borne pathogens.
Apply proper first aid or seek medical attention
Seek medical help as soon as possible after an injury, especially if there’s eye pain, blurred vision, or vision loss. Apply proper first aid for chemicals or particles in the eye, as well as for bows or cuts and punctures.
Captain Martin Sanders is an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) where the Surgeon General had appointed him as Chief Scientist. He has had nearly two decades of service in the field of occupational safety and health. For more articles like this, visit this page.
