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How to Avoid a Workplace Eye Injury?

Protect your eyes with appropriate safety eyewear while on the job.
By Anatoly Menzhiliy at Shutterstock

This March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. Every year, around 25,000 Americans visit an emergency room because of an eye-related injury caused in the workplace. During this year’s Workplace Eye Wellness Month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to remind all employers and employees to wear certified and approved eye protection while on the job. In doing so, you can save your vision from serious harm and even vision loss.

According to Prevent Blindness, an organization actively working to reduce workplace eye injuries each year, nearly one million Americans have lost their sight due to an eye injury while on the job. According to their reports, more than 700,000 workers injure their eyes every year. Most of these injuries can be avoided using top-rated safety eyewear while on a job site.

Eye Safety Checklist

In order to avoid becoming yet another statistic on a work-related injuries report, you must be cautious and prepared for your surroundings. No matter the type of job site, there are hazards around every corner.

Your eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in your body. As such, you must treat them with care. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Ensuring a safe work environment

  • Reduce the risk of hazards from falling or unstable objects.
  • Ensure tools work properly and safety precautions are in place.
  • Ensure all employees know how to properly utilize these tools.
  • Keep pedestrians away from the job site.

Wear the proper eye and face protection equipment

  • While on the work site, choose the right eye protection for the job.
  • Ensure your safety eyewear is in good condition at all times.
  • Make sure your safety eyewear fits adequately and remains in place while working.

Specks in your eyes

  • If you have specks in your eyes, do not rub the affected area.
  • Flush the eyes with plenty of clean water.
  • If the specks do not wash out, see a doctor immediately.

Chemical burns

  • If you suffer from a chemical burn to the face, immediately flush your eyes with water or a drinkable liquid. Open both eyes as wide as possible; continue flushing for up to 15 minutes and seek medical care immediately.
  • If you have a contact lens in the affected eye, flush over the lens immediately. Flushing will help to dislodge the lens.
  • Seek immediate medical attention.

Trauma to the eye

  •  If you suffer any sort of blow or trauma to the eye, apply a cold compress without any pressure, or tape crushed ice in a bag over the forehead and allow it to gently rest over the affected eye.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if any pain, redness, or swelling continues, or if you have reduced vision, blood, or discoloration in the affected eye.

If you suffer from a work-related eye injury, seek medical attention immediately. Do not hesitate to call Eye Care of Delaware – we routinely provide assistance for eye injuries and emergencies for workers in the area. Please call (302) 454-8800 today!

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