Protecting your eyes from workplace hazards should be a priority. Those hazards can exist in a variety of workplaces and in a multitude of forms.
According to the American Optometric Association, eye protection is necessary when these eye hazards are possible:
- Projectiles (dust, concrete, metal, wood and other particles)
- Chemicals (splashes and fumes)
- Radiation (especially visible light, ultraviolet radiation, heat or infrared radiation and lasers)
- Bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis or HIV) from blood and body fluids
The AOA lists these occupations as those with a high risk of suffering eye injuries: construction, manufacturing, mining, carpentry, auto repair, electrical work, plumbing, welding and maintenance.
To help prevent eye injuries, employers should follow these suggestions from AOA regarding a safe workplace:
- Conduct an eye hazard assessment of the workplace.
- Remove or reduce eye hazards where possible.
- Provide appropriate safety eyewear and require employees to wear it.
Workers can also help ensure their own eye safety and prevent eye injury by following these four steps:
- Know the eye safety dangers at your work.
- Eliminate hazards before starting work by using machine guards, work screens or other engineering controls.
- Use proper eye protection.
- Keep your safety eyewear in good condition and have it replaced if it becomes damaged.
Eye protection includes nonprescription and prescription safety glasses, goggles, face shields and helmets.
Can you identify any eye hazards in your workplace? If so, how well do you protect workers from eye injuries?
The post See Clearly: How to Protect Your Eyes on the Job appeared first on Seton Blog.
