Minimize Eye Injury Risks with These Tactics

Each day in workplaces across the country hundreds of eye injuries occur. This leads to increased medical expenses, lost production and worker compensation. Eye safety and protection enforcement in work areas reduces expenses while decreasing the chance of eyesight injury or loss.

Eye safety and health isn’t something many of us think about when going through our usual work activities. Eyesight is something most people take for granted until an accident takes place causing injury or disrupting vision. Fortunately, it is possible to maintain eye health by following a few basic precautionary measures.

One of the most frequent reasons for eye injury cases is due to flying particles or falling objects that strike the eye region. Also, contact with strong chemicals is another common contributor. Other accidents include being struck by objects in an attached or fixed position being pulled or used by the worker. The potential for an eye hazard is found in almost every industry. Those that work as mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, repairers, assemblers, machinery operators and sanders have increased risk.

Preventing eye injury is not difficult. Government regulations mandate that employers offer suitable eye protection rated as appropriate for the activity being performed. Eye protection devices must be sturdy and not susceptible to breakage. Companies should establish firm safety procedures for employees that work around glare hazards, strong heat, abrasive chemicals and certain machinery.

Industrial chemicals, pesticides, paint and anything that could potentially splash in the eye area can cause damage. When working with cleaning agents and solvents always wear suitable protection such as splash proof goggles. Never remove a safety guard when working around dangerous tools or equipment on the job. People that weld for a living must use special eye protection to avoid vision damage.

Proper eye care isn’t only limited to industrial settings. Office workers are frequently exposed to computers for extended time periods daily and must take proper precautions against eyestrain. With March being National Workplace Eye Wellness Month, it’s a good time for employers nationwide to ensure they are providing an atmosphere conducive to maintaining good eye health.

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