The importance of eye safety to protect your vision in the workplace should never be underestimated. Each year, almost 25,000 Americans make a visit to the emergency room as a result of workplace eye injuries. In response, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is using Workplace Eye Wellness Month this March to highlight the significance of wearing certified eye protection. At Eye Care of Delaware, we have some tips to help reduce eye injuries in the workplace.
7 Ways to Reduce Workplace Eye Injuries
1. Professional Workplace Hazard Assessment
An eye hazard assessment will help employers understand the risk of exposure to various eye hazards. Conspicuous dangers are not the cause of all eye injuries or risks to eye health. An expert can uncover those hidden issues that may have gone unnoticed.
2. Provide Employees With Eye Protection
Employees need easy access to eye protection appropriate for the role they perform. Such eye protection commonly includes safety goggles, glasses with side shields, helmets, protective screens and goggles designed to protect against bright light.
3. Limit Potential Causes of Eye Injuries
Not only must an employer be aware of potential dangers to eye health, they must also take clear steps to reduce risk of injury for employees. Sometimes it’s just not feasible to remove every risk from the workplace – on construction sites, for instance. However, strict measures must be in place to limit exposure to hazards.
4. Give Eye Care Training to Employees
Many people are unaware of the risks to eye health from seemingly minor injuries. Often, cornea treatment and other surgeries are required after scratches, trauma and infection. With access to training on eye care in the workplace, employees are better placed to protect themselves.
5. Maintain Eye Protection Practices in the Workplace
Creating best practices for eye safety in the workplace is important, and rules must be followed. In facilities where eye care awareness must be maintained at all times, it may be necessary to appoint dedicated individuals to monitor and uphold standards.
6. Maintain Effectiveness of Protective Eyewear
Protective eyewear can degrade over time and cause people to overestimate their level of safety. To ensure that glasses, goggles and other equipment are in good working order, eyewear should be checked regularly and replaced when required.
7. Create a Customized Approach for Each Industry
Workplace Eye Wellness Month was created to ensure employers provide approved eye protection – and that workers use it. The types of eye protection will vary according to the type of work being done. Since unintended eye damage at work can lead to cornea surgery and retinal treatments, workers in every industry must remain vigilant in dealing with eye hazards.
Trusted Eye Care Treatment in Newark, Delaware
If you have an eye issue that requires precise and professional treatment, Eye Care of Delaware can help. Our experienced team provides cornea treatments, refractive surgery, cataract treatment and more. For assistance, call (302) 454-8800 or request an appointment now.
