How to Keep Your Vision Safe in Every Situation
Eye injuries are a serious risk in many workplaces, with nearly one million Americans experiencing eye injuries every year, over 700,000 of which happen on the job. Surprisingly, 90% of these injuries can be prevented with the proper safety measures and protective eyewear (AAO.org). In this blog, we’ll dive into the best practices for preventing eye injuries, the common causes of eye damage, and how to choose the right protection for your work environment.
Best Practices for Eye Injury Prevention
- Conduct Regular Eye Hazard Assessments:
Before starting any task, identify potential hazards by assessing the environment. Look for flying objects, tools, chemicals, or any source that could pose a risk to your eyes. - Eliminate Hazards Before You Start:
Engineering controls, such as machine guarding or work screens, can be highly effective in removing hazards from the workplace before you even begin a task. - Wear the Right Eye Protection:
Always wear eye protection that is appropriate for the tasks at hand. Proper eye protection can prevent over 90% of eye injuries in the workplace. - Routine Vision Testing:
Encourage regular vision tests for employees to ensure no uncorrected vision problems exist, which could lead to incidents or injury. - Employee Education and Training:
Provide ongoing eye safety training to employees, emphasizing the importance of wearing protective eyewear. Make it part of new-hire orientation and remind workers regularly of the dangers of neglecting eye safety. - Establish Emergency Procedures:
Have emergency eyewash stations in places where chemicals or other hazardous materials are present, and make sure workers know how to respond in case of an eye injury.
Common Causes of Eye Injuries
Understanding the common causes of eye injuries is essential for preventing them. Some of the most frequent culprits include:
- Flying Objects
Bits of metal, glass, or other debris can become airborne during activities like grinding, drilling, or cutting. These particles can easily cause serious damage to the eyes. - Tools and Machinery
Using power tools or machinery without proper eye protection can lead to injuries from flying debris or contact with moving parts. - Particles and Dust
Environments with dust or small particles, such as construction sites, can pose a serious threat to eye safety. Even tiny particles can cause irritation or damage when they make contact with the eyes. - Chemicals and Radiation
Chemicals, whether in liquid or vapor form, can burn or irritate the eyes. Similarly, exposure to harmful radiation from welding, lasers, or fiber optics requires specialized eye protection to avoid serious injury.
Selecting the Right Eye Protection
The type of protection you need depends largely on the specific hazards present in your workplace. Here’s a breakdown of what to wear in different environments:
- For Flying Objects or Dust:
Safety glasses with side protection (side shields) are essential in areas with airborne particles or flying objects. The side shields protect the eyes from debris coming from the side. - For Chemical Exposure:
If you're working with chemicals or hazardous liquids, goggles are a must. They provide a snug fit to prevent any splashes from entering the eyes. - For Radiation Exposure:
In workplaces with radiation risks (such as welding or working with lasers), specialized safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets are necessary. These are designed to protect from specific types of radiation, such as UV light or intense heat.
Types of Safety Lenses
When selecting the right eyewear, it’s important to consider the type of lens material. Here are some common options:
- Polycarbonate Lenses:
- Lightweight and impact-resistant.
- Protect against welding splatter and flying debris.
- Less likely to fog compared to other materials.
- Stronger than glass or plastic but not as scratch-resistant.
- Glass Lenses:
- Highly scratch-resistant and durable.
- Excellent for protection around harsh chemicals.
- Can be made in corrective prescriptions.
- May be heavier and less comfortable than other materials.
- Plastic Lenses:
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Good protection against welding splatter.
- Not as scratch-resistant as glass.
- Fogging can be an issue under certain conditions.
Additional Prevention Measures
To further prevent eye injuries, it’s important to assess the situation before starting work. Take a thorough look at the work area, machinery, and any potential hazards. Regular inspections help identify and address risks early on. Ensure that protective eyewear fits well and is comfortable for extended wear, as ill-fitting eyewear can be distracting and less effective. Eye safety should also be a priority at all organizational levels. Management must lead by example, demonstrating that eye protection is not just a rule but a core value.
Protect Your Vision at All Costs
Eye injuries are avoidable with the right precautions and tools. By identifying potential hazards, wearing proper eye protection, and maintaining a strong culture of safety, workers can significantly reduce the risk of injury. As nearly 90% of eye injuries can be prevented with the use of protective eyewear, there’s no excuse for not prioritizing eye safety on the job. By following the practices outlined above, you’ll not only safeguard your employees’ vision but also help maintain a safer, more productive workplace.
We are here to keep you safe! For more job site safety tips, contact your local Risk Control Consultant. Click the button below to find a BITCO agent near you.
For information purposes only. BITCO's blog content does not address all potential circumstances and is not a substitute for business, safety, or legal consultation.
