The Importance of Eye Protection
Did you know? According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports, about 2,000 U.S. workers a day sustain eye-related injuries that require medical attention. The major reasons for these injuries were credited to either the worker not wearing eye protection, or wearing the wrong kind of eye protection. Experts believe that with the right preventative methods and eye protection, roughly 90 percent of these injuries could be avoided.
OSHA requires workers to wear eye protection any time there is reasonable probability of injury. The type of eye protection required depends on the type of job and the amount of risk. Potential eye hazards at work include:
Projectiles (dust, concrete, metal, wood or other particles that may enter your eye).
Chemicals (splashes and fumes).
Radiation (visible light, ultraviolet radiation, heat or infrared radiation and lasers).
Bloodborne Pathogens (hepatitis or HIV).
Some projects or occupations may present more than one of these hazards, which is why it is important to know which kind of eye protection to wear. Safety glasses with side shields should be worn any time there are particles, flying objects or dust. If there are chemicals or fluids present, then goggles would be the necessary personal eye protection, and if around hazardous radiation, special-purpose equipment is required, such as glasses, goggles, face shields or helmets that are uniquely designed to protect against radiation.
As any employer, it's important to assess your workplace for potential eye hazards and remove them when possible. Also, provide the necessary training and appropriate safety eyewear to employees and implement a policy requiring them to wear their eye protection around any potential hazards.
As an employee, know the risk of eye injury in your work environment, wear proper protection and make sure your eyewear is maintained, in good condition and replaced if damaged.
*Information gathered from American Optometric Association