Statistics reveal that eye injuries in the workplace are quite common. Some studies suggest that as many as 2,000 workers suffer eye-related traumas in the workplace every single day. Among the common injuries are cuts or scrapes to the cornea, presence of chemicals or foreign objects in the eye, splashes of grease or oil, and ultraviolet or infrared exposure. While the numbers of accidents remain high, eye doctors and safety experts are in agreement that 90% of these injuries could have been prevented with the right protective gear or proper observation of safety habits in the work place.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Ensuring that your eyes are safe at all times, especially if your job puts their safety at risk, should be your number one priority. Here are some workplace eye safety considerations.
- Make sure that your eye protection is appropriate for the potential hazards that you are exposed to. For instance, if you have problems with dust or flying particles, make sure that your safety glasses come with side protection or side shields. If you need to protect your eyes from chemicals, you should wear goggles. If you are at risk from hazardous radiation or extensive lights, wear special-purpose safety glasses as well as face shields or helmets whenever applicable. Once you have identified the protective wear that is best suited for you, make sure that it fits comfortably so that you can wear it for extended periods and that the glass remains clear so as not to obstruct your vision.
- Wear eye protection for as long as you are in the area where potential dangers are present. Moreover, make sure to keep your eye protection in good condition and immediately replace it when damaged. Never compromise eye safety.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes with your bare hands or work clothing. Make sure you have thoroughly clean hands before touching your face to avoid scratching your eyes or accidentally exposing your eyes to chemicals or particles.
- Conduct a thorough assessment of your work area and identify potential eye hazards. Afterwards, remove or reduce eye hazards. This can be carried out by using machine guards, screens, etc. While these preventative measures are often available by superior review, you are in the best position to identify the potential problems and possible solutions quickly since you are the one exposed to your area day in and day out.
Protecting your eyes should not be a difficult thing to do. Avoid accidents due to negligence. Have the initiative to propose safety improvements or to take action on your own.