Spotlight on Workplace Eye Safety | Safe and Sound Week

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 20,000 eye injuries occur at the workplace every year in the United States. OSHA reports that eye injuries cost about $300 million a year in lost productivity, workman’s compensation, and medical treatment.

These injuries also do not include other workplace eye issues, such as digital eye strain. Although digital eye strain does require a trip to the emergency room, it can cause symptoms that decrease productivity.

Eye injuries can occur in virtually any type of workplace. However, employees have a higher risk of sustaining an eye injury if they work in specific industries, such as:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Automotive repair
• Landscaping

Common eye hazards on the job include:

• Flying debris such as metal fragments, glass, and wood
• Blood splatters in a healthcare setting
• Radiation and exposure from lasers
• Chemical splashes from laboratory solutions and industrial cleaners
• Digital eye strain from excessive computer use in various industries

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Employers have a responsibility to create a safe working environment, including reducing the risk of injuries. As an employee, you are also responsible for protecting your vision.

Your employer should conduct hazard assessments to determine safety risks. You should also be provided with adequate training to ensure you understand how to take safety precautions for your work environment. Employees should also become familiar with emergency procedures for eye injuries. 
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Wearing proper eye protection is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of eye injuries in the workplace. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that about 90% of eye injuries are preventable by wearing proper eye protection.

The type of eye protection needed depends on the industry you work in and the potential risks. For example, proper eye protection on the job may include:

• Safety goggles with side shields that help provide protection against impact from flying debris
• Helmets or face shields that protect the face and eyes from hazardous chemicals and sparks, such as welding
• Medical face shields to prevent blood splatter in healthcare settings
• Anti-glare lenses for employees spending long hours looking at a computer screen

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If a serious eye injury occurs on the job, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is vital. If you experience blunt force trauma to the eye, penetrating injury, or a chemical burn, seek immediate medical attention.

Also, if you have an eye injury that leads to severe pain or vision changes, it is important to see an eye doctor immediately.

Even if you think an eye injury at work was mild, it’s still best to see an eye care specialist to ensure there are no additional problems you were unaware of.

By understanding the workplace hazards and following proper safety practices, you can reduce your risk of an eye injury at work.

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.