An alarming number of all reported eye injuries occur in the workplace, ranging from mild eye strain to more severe injuries with the potential to cause permanent damage, vision loss and blindness. Protecting workers from eye injuries can be a challenge.
However, with the use of proper eyewear, it is estimated that 90% of recorded eye injuries are preventable. Keeping eye injuries at bay requires every employee to consistently wear the appropriate protective eyewear at all times, but is it really that simple?
Preventing workplace eye injuries
The eye is an intricate and highly delicate organ, with permanent vision loss occurring from relatively minor injuries. Workplace eye injuries can affect workers of all ages in nearly every industry. The bulk of eye injuries take place when workers do not use protective eyewear, or do not wear the proper type:
- Not wearing eye protection - nearly three out of every five workers injured are not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident.
- Wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job - wearing the wrong type of safety eyewear can be just as hazardous as not wearing any at all. It is estimated that 40% of workers suffering from eye injuries were, in fact, wearing some form of eye protection when the accident occurred, however, they were most likely sporting eyewear that offered inadequate protection.
Most workplace eye injuries attributed to impact, dust, chemicals, heat, ultraviolet radiation and visible radiation can be avoided by taking simple precautions for a lifetime of good vision. That is, by wearing eye protection, and above all, ensuring that it is suits the task at hand and complies with relevant local standards for industrial applications.
Wearing the wrong kind of eye protection can be just as hazardous as not wearing any at all. When selecting the correct protective eyewear, you need to consider the following factors:
- Understanding lens markings - lens markings assist in identifying their intended use by pointing out their impact rating, confirming the eyewear matches the hazard and is fit for purpose.
- Lens colour/type - selecting the appropriate lens colour and type comes down to the application and environment of the worker.
- Ensure the eyewear fits well - improperly fitted or incorrectly worn safety eyewear may not provide adequate protection appropriate to the hazards and tasks and may increase the chance of eye injury.
We have a massive variety of safety specs and goggles available, with more available on request. Leave the eyepatches for costume parties, not for everyday life.
