Prevent Eye Injuries at Work

About 2,000 eye injuries occur in the workplace each day. That results in more than 700,000 injured workers every year. Between 10 percent and 20 percent of these injuries result in temporary or permanent vision loss. It is estimated that $300 million are spent each year in loss of productivity, medical treatment and workers’ compensation due to eye injuries.

Protect yourself and your co-workers by implementing these simple eye safety tips.

Regular Vision Evaluations

Visit an ophthalmologist or optometrist and have your vision assessed regularly. Not only do you reduce the risk of injury in the workplace, but you can also improve your overall well-being. Regular assessments can also detect gradually occurring vision problems and allows you the opportunity to discuss with your doctor the unique risks and hazards your eyes face in the workplace.

Wear the Appropriate Gear

Based on the work involved and the risks, different levels of protection are required to reduce eye injuries. Be sure your safety eyewear has been fitted by an eye care professional to eliminate the risk of falling off or other fit issues. Your eyewear should be comfortable to wear and allow you to maintain your peripheral vision. All occupational safety eyewear should meet standards set by Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses defer from regular eyewear in that they are typically made from special material and feature side panels to reduce the risk of flying objects from entering the eye from behind or from the side. Use safety glasses for the following hazards:

• Flying objects
• Particles, including:
  • Wood
  • Metal shards
  • Dust
  • Cement or concrete
• Handling biohazards or fluids that could contain blood-borne pathogens

 

Safety Goggles

Safety goggles entirely enclose the eyes and surrounding area. Some workers who wear eyeglasses on a daily basis might prefer to wear goggles, rather than safety glasses, over their existing eyewear. All workers who interact with chemicals should wear safety goggles to prevent eye injuries.

Special Purpose & Full-Facial Protection

Certain work environments require safety eyewear designed specifically for that industry. For example, work that involves harmful radiation, such as X-rays, requires leaded glasses. Other jobs, like welding and fumigating, require face shields and full-face respirators.

Extra Safety Precautions

Besides wearing the appropriate gear and regular check-ups, there are a few other actions you can take to avoid eye injuries in the workplace:

• Always brush off dust and particles from your body before removing your protective eyewear
• Ensure that you are properly trained on all tools required for your job
• Avoid rubbing your eyes in the workplace
• Look for other opportunities to minimize hazards in your workplace

 

We understand accidents happen. If you have experienced an eye injury on the job, and adequate precautions were not made by your employer, you might be entitled to compensation. You need an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to get you the Results You Deserve®. Call KBG today and ask for a free consultation.