Eye Injuries… You Rarely See Them Coming

An alarming number of workplace injuries involve the eyes, ranging from mild eye strain to severe trauma with the potential for permanent damage, vision loss, or blindness. Protecting workers from eye injuries is a challenge, but with proper eyewear, studies estimate that 90% of eye injuries are preventable. Ensuring employees consistently wear the right protective eyewear is key—but is it really that simple?

Preventing Workplace Eye Injuries

The eye is an intricate and delicate organ, and even minor injuries can lead to permanent vision loss. Jobs involving airborne particles or hazardous substances significantly increase the risk of eye trauma. Most eye injuries occur because workers fail to use protective eyewear or wear the wrong type of protection. Here are some key statistics:

• Not wearing eye protection: Nearly three out of five injured workers weren’t wearing any eye protection at the time of the accident.
• Wearing improper eye protection: Around 40% of injured workers were wearing some form of eye protection, but it was inadequate for the hazards faced.

Common causes of workplace eye injuries include impact, dust, chemicals, heat, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and visible radiation. Fortunately, most of these injuries can be avoided by taking simple precautions and wearing the right eye protection for the task at hand.

Choosing the Right Protective Eyewear

Wearing the wrong type of eye protection can be as dangerous as not wearing any at all. When selecting appropriate protective eyewear, consider the following factors:

Understand Lens Markings
Lens markings identify the eyewear’s intended use and impact rating, ensuring it matches the hazard and is fit for purpose.

Choose the Right Lens Colour and Type
The lens type and colour should suit the worker’s application and environment. For example, tinted lenses may be needed for outdoor tasks, while clear lenses work best indoors.

Ensure Proper Fit
Poorly fitted or improperly worn safety eyewear may not provide adequate protection and can increase the risk of injury. Always ensure the eyewear fits well and stays in place during tasks.

By understanding these factors and ensuring workers wear compliant eyewear suited to their roles, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries. Protect your team’s vision—it’s a simple step toward a safer workplace